Ok so I am completely new to third gen but have been using it for some time now for help. i own an 88 camaro rs that i plan on putting a 350 crate engine into, but would like to work from the rear forward. i only plan on making about 300 hp and will be a strictly street car. I have heard conflicting things about the 7.5 rear and want to do it right the first time so i need to know if this rear will hold up to this motor or if i should upgrade to 12 bolt or 9 inch. also if i go 9 inch what are my brake options as i have factory drum? Been using search function but havent found what i need. If you could point me in right direction or explain this to me would be greatly appreciated.

 

The 7.5" should hold as long as you aren't dumping the clutch @ 5k rpm on drag slicks.

 

I second what skirkland1980 said. Your 7.5 should be fine with that combo.

 

If your starting with the 2.8 v6 RS than it appears if its still stock to have a 3.42 open differential. Thats a one wheel peal especially with 300 hp. I would start considering a posi/locker of some sort with a support cover.
You might also consider going to "user cp" than "edit details" and filling in the last 4 questions and that will show below your signature.It helps us help you.

 

You can upgrade the 7.5 that you have to 28 spline axles and install an Eaton Posi and it will help the strength some. The T/A Performance cover will also help some. Should be fine for a street car with street tires.

 

ok sorry guys for not adding that it is a 305 tbi car and has a 700r4 so no clutch dumps for this guy. thank all of you for helping me out on this one you guys just saved me a bunch of time and money

 

and big gear head if i upgrade to 28 spline axels and an eaton will i need to install my own studs in the axle? If so what size would they be?

 

The 3rd gen uses metric studs in the axles. Some axle kits come with the studs and some don't. I recommend getting a good name brand axle. Tom's Differentials sells AAM axles, which are very good, and Tom's has good prices on the Eaton Posi and very good installation kits with the super shim sets.

 

just something to think about ..... 4th gen rears are direct fit they do stick out 2" farther on each side though perfect for vette wheels I paid 100 for a 1998 posi 342 disc rear . a little royal purple and good to go in 1998 the discs were beefed up to vette specs

 

I brought a 1985 iroc rear posi 2.73 and disk brakes I brought a 3.73 ring and pinion and installed that and HOLLY **** what a major difference and it cost about 170 for the ring and pinion another 100 for bearings and a lot of patients for setting up the ring and pinion backlash

 

Yes sir the one tire frier must go.

 

I went with the upgrade to 28 spline axles and the 28 spline Eaton Posi. with swapping from 2.73s to 3.42s and support cover and could not be happier. Perfect for my street machine.
That with a Corvette servo for the Automatic and a timing bump to 4* and a few bolt on's and I'm good to go,go,go.