FstGls

Hi everyone! I finally got my feet wet with an 80 L82. I worked out a few figures for the cars performance but I'd like to know what pitfalls may arise. I'm building a 427 big block and already built a th400 for the car. I'd like to make it in the 10.5 index. I noticed small things like a couple cracks in the glass and I'm hearing the diff doesn't hold up.
I appreciate all advice and direction in advance.

Gale Banks 80'

The Diff will hold up as long as You don't run Drag Radials but its going to be hard to Run 10.5 with out them. The weakest part in the Diff is the 1/2 shaft U-Joints. If the straps that hold them use 1/4" bolts you have the weak ones, (1330) if they are 5/16" then You have the stronger ones. (1350)

Les

Your TH400 with the right torque converter will absorb some of the shock as you come off the line vs. a hard launch with a clutch. Definitely get the Spicer solid U-joints. I'm really not sure how the strength of your rear end compares to my '69 but you will want to beef it up and that can get expensive. Parts or a new unit from Tom's differentials would be a good solution if you can spring for them. I'd love to hear more about that 427 if/when you have your build details. Sounds like a whole lot of fun. Taking weight off of the car would ease the strain too as well as make you quicker, as I'm sure you know. Details please!

FstGls

The th400 I put in has a 1350 yolk on it. I had to use a conversion joint to get it up and running. But I plan on using three shafts from Jegs with the 1350s on them and they have to be cut to fit. I believe they are 3 inch shafts. I also was thinking of switching the four yolks to the manual trans ones. And the diff bolts to ARP.
I would like to run the Nitto 555 tire.

FstGls

I plan on using a 2500 or 3K converter

FstGls

The engine will be a 427T. Approx 11.8 to 12.25 pistons. 6.80 rods. Solid roller. Big valves. And I'm making an intake for it to use four 90 mm throttles. Goin fuel injected!
Goal to make 675hp around 6500. Should make for a fun machine...

Les

I used to run that Nitto and they were a bit too easy to blow away, even with some heat in them. My '69 is a good bit below the power level you'll need to run mid 10s, so you'd zing those Nittos pretty easily. I've run the MT ET Streets for a couple years now and they are much better.

It sounds like you've figured out much of what you'll need already. I got my half shafts and safety loops from Dragvette. The half shafts are 3" like yours and came with the Spicer solids if memory serves. Those loops may be worth a look for you.

FstGls

Thanks I'm going to check into the tires and the loops.

FstGls

And thanks to Gale Banks 80

Les

You bet. Just saw the engine info. That's gonna be nasty. I'd love to hear it when it's done. Just curious- have you picked your heads yet?

FstGls

One thing for sure is the steering system is going to the metal bin! Wow is it ridiculous....I see a company is making a rack conversion for the C3 but costs bank.
I found a realistic solution. The power rack from a 05 Malibu is a viable suiter. It looks like a manual rack the power assistance is by elec motor. But I'm going to use it as a manual. And make some brackes.
Sorry Steer***s the secret is out...lol.

FstGls

Extensive port work to a set of 051s (1051). 2.30 tuliped and necked down and 1.88 tuliped and necked down.

Les

It'll be interesting to see what you figure out with the steering system. Heck, the whole project will be interesting. My '69 is just a street car that I play with. I'd love to have a project like yours. You should post some updates as you progress- and videos of it in action when the time comes.

FstGls

My car will be a daily driver as well my friend. Can't have fun if ya can't drive it when ya want to!
Will put up some progress reports as soon as I figure that out. First time forum member. Lol.

Les

Great, looking forward to it. The folks here love photos. The new Photobucket makes it easy to post here on the forum. If you need help there's a tutorial here in the "Help Forum" at the bottom of the main page- or you can hit me up.

FstGls

Thanks bud! I greatly appreciate!

roger3

Differential is definitely your weak link. I have BBC in my 76, making around 585 hp. Th350 tranny and MT street drag radials. I race it a lot. Stock rebuilt differential lasted about 150 (or maybe 300, I cant remember) passes if I remeber correctly before loosing teeth on ring gear.

Tracdogg rebuilt it for me as a super 10. Couple hundred passes later and it's still going strong.

Tracdogg is on this forum and really knows these rear ends. You can search for his threads, he has good input.

Keep us updated.

Roger

BKbroiler

I agree with roger3, your diff is a concern, particularly since I believe yours is aluminum. The earlier cars had an iron center section.
Where do you plan to race the car?

ajrothm

Sub'd for the build progress and results.

gkull

I have a 434 ci in my vette with somewhat less hp than what you want. My advice is to build it with more CI and it will attain 10.5 easier like a 472 or a 496 ci