Power to stock rear end??
 

I have a 99 Firebird with the stock rear end in it and I am installing 3.73 gears. How much power can it handle till it gives out??

Theres not a power limit on the 10bolt it just has a time limit. Stock motor i blew my 10bolt up so its really not a matter of how much it can take just how long it will take it

Agreed^ Its about luck in alot of times. Lol

Autos can put a lot more power to the rear without destroying it because of the absence of the shock load a manual delivers.

and then there's the tire scenario with that POS factory 10-bolt.

If you have slicks on a 10 bolt, even with a factory motor, just with the slicks you can tear teeth in your differential even in your first hard launch.

that's why most hard core 1/4 runners replace the 10 bolt with an aftermarket axle

So then it would be a good idea to upgrade the axles then??

Most people say its a waste of time and money to do anything to the stock rear. 9 inch, S60 and 12 bolts are the most popular upgrades. It's not a matter of if it breaks, just when. I am currently saving up for a 9 inch myself.

stock ls1 power will break it... save the time n money for a S-60 like me!

OK!! Thank you to all that added their help and I think I will be getting a 12 bolt.

It really depends on your on your luck, how you drive, etc... For example I have the factory 10 bolt with a Detroit Trutrak upgrade, and will probably be making around 550 rwhp in the next day or two here. Am I worried?? Not really because I know how I will drive it. Could it break?? Sure, but that's a justified risk that i'm willing to take at the moment lol

I popped a moser 12bolt in mine other than the normal 12 bolt whine shes fine and dandy and i beat her up pretty good

if
 

if set up right 12 bolts don't wine or break....12 yrs in a 69 SS 496 chevelle and still going with a box full of time slips . M&H 10x27's too. paid 75 bucks for it in the 80's. :D

It's going to be a street/strip car and on the street do a little racing here and there

True, in a car that doesn't have a torque arm twisting and stressing the housing right next to the pinion gear.

A good read: http://shop.brutespeed.com/Brute-Spe...nformation.htm

nice commercial for the 9"'s funny what they don't say is the 9" offsett robs you of tq and hp. Just makes me glad I stayed all GM. @635 hp btw.

As far as the f-body setup vs 4 link....just find a good welder and get more rigidity from the outer ends of the axil tubes (9 or 12 " rears). Don't put all of the pressure on the pumpkin.

Yes...commercial.

Or it's a vendor that was offering all options for the F-bodies, saw what was happening with the M6 cars, did some homework as to what was going on, and makes recommendations based on evidence.

Your 12 bolt in your F-body is an aftermarket, just as is every piece in these fabbed 9" rears and the S60s but if you feel better telling yourself it's a GM rear axle then yay candy.

Whoa there gunslinger...
Lets slow down a bit.
Are you an auto trans car, or a manual?
If your a manual, then yes, you should upgrade.
If an auto, you are good down to low 1.5 short times.
Give us some more info..