Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

What would be a good budget rear end for a 6 speed heads/cam/intake car making around 480 rwhp? S60, 12 bolt, Quick Performance 9", etc. Looking for something that's going to be easy to install, not have a lot of fitment issues, and be able to be beat on without cause for concern.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

s60 is probably gonna be the cheapest with a stock type fitment. And it should NEVER break.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

That's the way I was leaning. I know they are heavy, but pretty much bulletproof.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Yep, a cast 9 is an option also but to be honest I would HAVE to spend the dough on the aluminum center and you may have components like torque arms that wont work with it? I dunno Im not super familiar with them other then I know some have tunnel fitment issues.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

I've got a couple friends with midwest chassis fabbed 9", and they are happy with it. I know they are supposed to fit with out any real headache.

Mine is burkhart chassis, and it went right in. I did not have to clearance out anything. The only thing that took any type of real thought was getting the e-brake cables routed and mounted. I did not get the aluminum center section, but if I ever went in to do any upgrades, I'd probably get the aluminum center section. Strange supplies them.

You will generally spend more money up front on the fabbed 9" than the S60, but then you have more gearing options, the removable center section, and more options to lighten it up, so it's up to you on that end. Basically, pay more for more options down the road vs lower initial cost up front for a once and done rear end.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (1)

Look at the HAWKS 8.8. I think they can make it with the 4th gen rear mounting points like they do for the third gen. Cost is about the same as any after market rear you're going to get.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

I know of only one rear end on the market that fits that sentence right there. We have gone to great lengths to make our fabricated nine inch install the same way a factory 10-bolt came out.

Like Darth_V8r said he had to figure out E-Brake cable routing, you don't have to do that with ours it comes with the needed bracket already installed plus the brake line tabs and clips, no need for hose clamps or zip ties with out housing.

ICRAZY6

iTrader: (68)

Happy MWC 9" and suspension user here. It is quiet as can be. Had it built and installed back in 2007.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

So I price checked to compare prices and to build a comparable housing to our fabricated nine inch to the 8.8. Options with a spool, 35SPL axles, assembled, and shipped. There is $559 difference and our farbicated housing comes with a torque arm, crossmember, and so much more. We also offer our layaway program for those that do not have all the money up front.

On top of the fact you get a brand new fabricated housing and brand new internals over a modified used 8.8. It is kind of a no brainier to me what to go with. The S60 even seems like a better priced option over a 8.8.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Nope

Ozz1967

iTrader: (1)

Wasn't sure if they did or not. Several people over at TGO have gone with it and are happy with the results.

I can't argue with Midwest Chassis new build though. I looked over what they offer and it's pretty sweet.

jhshnh

Where are Hawks getting these 8.8 housings?
Are they from junkyard Explorers or new castings?

Ozz1967

iTrader: (1)

you would have to ask to be sure but I'm fairly certain they are 8.8 rears (tubes and rear housing) and axles that they then cut and modify to fit third gen Camaro/Firebird. They put all the correct mount points for rear suspension on them and then install your diff of choice. A plug and play 8.8 rear that fits the factory location, suspension and drive shaft. Comes with your choice of LS or LT backing plates.

ragtopz28

iTrader: (57)

I vote S60. Goes right in like stock. Only mod is to the TA bracket (about 5 min. with a cutoff wheel). They are heavy, but in the right location. Both my cars actually picked up in the et and 60'. Going from a 3.42 10bolt to a spooled 3.54 S60. Plus never worry again @ 1,000+hp.
I have a BMR TA for sale already cut for the S60 if interested...https://ls1tech.com/forums/florida-c...ber-mount.html
EDIT: Forgot you were a t56

jhshnh

Just my opinion, but if those 8.8 castings are from a junkyard why would anyone pay the same money for that as they could a new casted Strange 12 or S60? Makes 0 sense to me. The welds on my S60 axel tubes compared to what I saw from Hawks isn't even comparable.
I went on Hawk's site and to get one with the tru trac was the same price as my S60 with 35 spline, lightened axel flanges, better yoke, etc.
If you're a M6 I wouldn't even consider the 8.8.

SteenH

Vouch

That_One_Person

iTrader: (4)

Spohn seems to make a nice TA specifically for the S60 if you choose that option. That's what BOLO has on his badass 416 former LT1 car. I've been considering piecing together an 8.8 and having a non-sponsor do the housing but TA fitment is huge i'm not beating up the trans tunnel.

BrntWS6

iTrader: (7)

My mwc 9" dropped in pretty easy for never doing one before. Id say it was easier than installing my TDs. I learned quick Budget and new rear end dont go together but i wanted to do it right the first time. Probably should have gone with the aluminum center but oh well, its just a street car that isnt driven a whole lot.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

This is sort of why I went fab 9. I read enough people who had the 8.8 and THEN did a fab 9 anyway. Even if you did both on the cheap, it would have been cheaper to do aluminum center, 40 spline rifle drilled axles, and the works on a fab 9.

jhshnh

Do it right the first time. I went with all options on my S60 and love it.