When i acquired my '84 Berlinetta it had a bent rearend, no problem, went to the junkyard and picked up a stock replacement for the 2.8L V6 powered 2.73 one-legger rear for 125$. MUCH later, after deciding to keep the Camaro and drag race it i picked up a stock posi, only one i could find available at the time was another 2.73 stock posi [325$], ok, will have to do for now [racing that weekend]. With this setup and "General" street radials, i've managed a best 60' of 1.94 with a best 1/8th mi. ET of 8.06 @ 90mph at Irwindale Drags [So. Cal.]. Im ready for the NEXT step, have talked with many drag racers and since im below 500hp, an 8.5" rear with Strange axles/gears are an excellant choice and much cheaper than an overkill 12-bolt rear.

So. Anyone know where i can get an 8.5" rear for my '84 Camaro? Core will suit me fine i believe, i can use the brakes [drums] off my existing rear and im getting different axles and gears anyhow. Is there anything else im forgetting or dont know about?

 

Third gen diff choices are stock 10 bolt 7.5"/7.625", Borg Warner 9 bolt 7.75" or a rare Dana44 8.5". Aftermarket choices are 12 bolt or ford 9".

The trouble with trying to adapt another type of diff to a third gen is that there is no way to properly attach the torque arm especially GM's cast housings.

My best times are with a beefed up 7.5" and I originally had a 3.27 geared 9 bolt going a little slower. Both diffs held up fine. I've just converted to a 9" because of an 8" converter and transbrake.