How much can the 8.5" 10 rear handle??

[turbobuick1]

Ok, before I invest a lot of money in the GN 10 bolt rear, I'd like to know what kind of horsepower and e.t.s it can handle reliably. It seems to me that people have already run it deep into the 9s? I'm very aware of the many benefits of the ford 9", but call me picky, I couldn't have a ford product on my beloved GN.

So, what is everyones thoughts and experiences with this? At what point do you decide to switch to a stronger axle? I appreciate anyone who takes time to reply this probably beat-to-death subject. I'm going to go work on the car for a bit, so I won't reply for a couple of hours.

 

[John Wilde]

There are people in the low 8s with it.
However when you start going that fast, the gears
don't seem to last that long. How fast do you plan on going?

 

[turbobuick1]

In the 8s? Wow!

I'll will be more than happy when I hit the low 10s, but that is a long ways off for now.:biggrin:
If that's the case (8.5" being used in 8 second cars), I guess I really have no need to swap to a stronger axle anytime soon. I'm looking for reliability, and was wondering if there was a certain horsepower point where the 8.5" should be put away.

Anyone else, have you swapped rear ends for a ford, dana, or 12 bolt? What was your reason for doing so? Thanks for your replies.

 

[kenny]

Both of my cars have had bone stock rears with more hard launches than I can count - not a single issue.

Second car went 1.47, pretty regular 1.5x...

 

[Sam Colalillo]

Several 1.3 short tims here with the 8.5 10 bolt. The ring and pinon finally failed at Reynolds this year.

 

[turbobuick1]

Thanks for the responses. I have new found faith in my rear axle!

 

[norbs]

I would not use a spool on the street, but thats just me. I've seen stock axles twist on 11'sec cars and ring gears brake on high 9 sec cars. Some have had good luck stock set ups though. It really depends on the use of a transbrake and the weight of the car too. SInce my car weighs close to 3900 lbs with me in it I went with a 9".

 

[Sam Colalillo]

Thanks for the responses. I have new found faith in my rear axle!

Alot of street miles on the spool. It broke when I was hunting that 1.2 60 foot time.
The spool is fine for me on the street just be carefull how hot you go into a corner, that when it will try to come around on ya.

I had Ford housing ends welded on, Tubes welded around the housing case, installed 33 spline axles, 1350 series yoke,and an LPW rear end cover. I am setting the gears up a little tighter for the next round of punishement.

 

[RobsIron]

Thanks for the responses. I have new found faith in my rear axle!

The 8.5 is a pretty much a 12 bolt with a smaller ring gear. 12 bolts have 8.875.

It is all you'll need on the street. Modify it as you need.

The 9" is a great rear, but weighs more and uses more HP.

Stick wid the 8.5...unless you're a Big Dog.

 

[GARY HARVEY]

... and then someone decides to sell their complete
9" Ford setup for a gbody and sets you to thinking about the option (again)!
Path I followed btw.

 

[BEATAV8]

I set mine up with pretty basic upgrades and it wasn't too awful expensive
Just Moser 28 spline axles with C-clip elims
Moser 1350 series yoke
TA girdle
Welded the tubes to the center section
Everything else is stock / original 80k miles

Everything worked (went together) OK. I run it in the mid tens without any problems, same power level on the street.

 

[Just a Six??]

Moser axles help & the TA cover sure wont hurt. The stockers can take a decent beating buts 8's is not very often I would guess? Thats a 1.2-1.3 & a lot of that would probably do it in! For 10's & 11's with a 1.5-1.6 no problem!!