NoGamesLS1

iTrader: (16)

I know that the corvette IRS (independent rear suspension) will not go into an fbod w/o some in depth fabrication and $$$$, but does anyone know if a GTO IRS will go into an fbody? Or do the gto and corvette both use the same suspension? My goal is to put IRS in my 2000 WS6, if practical.
-Steve

00BLKSS#77

Why? I think you'll definatley have traction issues then.

NoGamesLS1

iTrader: (16)

I dont plan on making it a drag car. Mostly DD/autox. But how would the IRS give me traction issues?

Sandmann120

iTrader: (1)

Wheelhop!

NoGamesLS1

iTrader: (16)

Why would that be an issue in the fbody but not in the corvette or gto?

Sandmann120

iTrader: (1)

Last I knew, the GTOs wheelhop pretty badly. They are also not very strong, with a bad habit of breaking axle stubs on the GTO.

NoGamesLS1

iTrader: (16)

I didnt know that. I guess that I will look for a 12 bolt or 9 in then

Sandmann120

iTrader: (1)

I think it would be A LOT easier. And definitly stronger.

EPP

iTrader: (22)

The GTO IRS is on the weak side, as has already been mentioned. The GTO guys would love to have a 12 bolt, which is really what you should consider. The 12 bolt is lighter than a 9 inch, and uses up less horsepower. Unless you're mostly a pure strip car with over 600 rwhp, the 12 bolt is a great choice. Bob

BrandonDrecksage

iTrader: (1)

both can be done..but it isn't practical cost wise..unless your fabricating everything yourself.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

I've not seen a IRS-equipped car make one decent pass down a dragstrip. I know you're not going to drag race the car, but even the Trans Am series race cars don't use IRS.

mzoomora

iTrader: (36)

The GTO IRS is very similar in the center section to the 3rd gen 9 bolt. They are stonger than the 7.5/7.6, but just barely. Add in the IRS and there goes the extra strength.

2000Hawk

iTrader: (5)

GTO's do have bad wheel hop i used to work at a dealer and had to drive an '04 somewhere (wasn't a customers car). well i was driving and went WOT at a really slow roll like around maybe 20mph. And it felt as if the back tires were going to shoot right off the car. I easily prefer my 10 bolt, than the IRS that comes in the GTO.
-Joel

DrkPhynx

But surely there is a reason for this? Regulations or budget perhaps? The ALMS/Rolex Sports Car Series cars use IRS (IIRC). And the C5R/C6R don't convert to solid axles.

dailydriver

Correct!! The Trans Am series rules forbade the use of IRS. In fact, they were required to use a Detroit Locker as well (over a tuned, better for their application, limited slip). That being said a soild rear axle CAN BE made to handle quite well.

Amac1978

Companies do make a ford 9 inch center section for the new Camaro an gto irs systems. You could go that route if you still wanted better handling.

dailydriver

Yes, and then he could use the great-for-handling Wavetrac diff, among others, BUT it would probably cost him more than the Blue Book value of the car.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

I'll add to this by saying a solid axle on leaf springs can even be made to handle very well. Thakfully, I've got a 8.5 inch 10-bolt, so weakness really isn't an issue.

Bob@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (16)

Wow, check out the date the OP started this thread. lol Bob

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

Yeah... His kid is probably a contributing member of the forum by now