8.5 rear limitations

[mr olds jr]

Hi guys, I run an oldsmobile with a 8.5 in my 80 cutlass out of an 84 hurst/olds. Same rear as the gn is only with a 3.73 gear. Right now I have arp studs in the caps, lpw cover, going to 33 spline axles, spool, discs, ford ends, lpw support bars, tubes are welded, rear sway bar. We are planning on moving into the 9 second area and will be using a t- brake for the cars first time. Moser tells me that the center section isnt strong enough to go into the 9s because the case starts flexing? The question is, how much will the 8.5 take, and what do you have to do to keep it alive?

Thanks,

Terry

 

[Michael McCoy]

Ask Cal Hartline how his 8.5 rear holds up to mid 8 second 1/4 mile blasts. It will take whatever you throw at it, to a certain point. If you haven't bought the internals yet, I've got new 33 spline Moser 8.5" axles w/1/2" long studs & new 8.5" spool, new Wilwood discs for a 9", new 33 spline Moser spool for a 9", & lots more. Email me directly if you're interested in saving some $$. Thanks.

 

[GNVAIR]

The only limitation to the 84-87 GN/Olds 8.5 is the small diameter tubs that allow the housing to flex.

 

[mr olds jr]

Thank you guys for your assistance. I did some net searching on cal and found a write up that told about his car. It answered questions about the rear end that I had. Im wondering how many trips down the track at 8 seconds hes made with that car? I am very impressed to say the least with that car and what hes done! I feel comfortable about going further with my 8.5 now. Some would say "why not just go 9 inch" and its a matter of how far into the 8.5 I already am financially, and the stock look is more appropriate for me. Does cal have c clip elims, im sure he does but I never saw any mention of it.