Reinforcement of a 98 Pontiac Firebird rear end

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:08 AM

I was curious. I'm taking my car to the Dyno next week and getting her tuned and just realized that with the horsepower I want to get out of her I'm going to need to either:

A. Buy a stronger rear end

or

B. Find something to reinforce the existing rear end to take the stress.

Anyone have any ideas? As of right now, I'm not able to dump 2 grand into a new rear end.

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:11 AM

How much power?

Hard launches are what kill the rears...not power itself.
I ran around on my stock 10 bolt with over 500RWHP for several months. Just made sure I didn't hook.

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:13 AM

I'm lookin to push 500 to the rear wheels and I'm really afraid to launch off the line (or streetlight) and destroy the rear end.

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:18 AM

At that power level...building the 10 bolt will just be a crutch.

Drive it lightly until you can get something stout under there.
Just one guys opinion though...I am sure others will add to it.

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:20 AM

So, you think a 12 bolt would be a good idea? or should I go with something else?

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:25 AM

A4 or M6?

It also depends on how abusive you want to be.
I like the Moser 9" for a couple reasons.
T/A mount, ease of gear swap are two.

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:27 AM

A4. I know I know.... she's auto... but I still love her so. Oh, and I don;t want to spend an arm and a leg, bu I want something that will last.

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:30 AM

Nothing wrong with an automatic.

500RWHP thought is gonna need upgrades to the tranny as well.

Rule of thumb has always been this for rearends...
A4 = 12 bolt
M6 = 9"

For me, it depends on the goal of the car. Properly set-up A4 and 500RWHP will be enough fo DEEP 11's...if not 10's.
Not sure if I 100% trust the 12 bolt for 10's.

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:47 AM

When you say that the car will need transmission what exactly would it mean? Sorry, I'm a little mechanically retarded.

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:51 AM

The stock automatic transmission won't take on the power very well.
It would need rebuilt to handle it.

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 09:52 AM

how would I go about doing that? (Once again my apologies, this is a learning experience for myself)

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 09:57 AM

You know, I have never researched where to have a 4l60e rebuilt.
I am sure Thunder could point you in the right direction.
http://www.thunderracing.com/

**Formula_LS1** · 01-30-2008, 10:00 AM

From the search I've conducted it would look as if I'm going to need either a torque converter or an overhaul kit. Which one would be needed? or would both?

**Mr. Luos** · 01-30-2008, 10:04 AM

Probably both.

Stall converter will be something you will want to get the most out of the power.
The transmission itself cannot handle (in stock form) the 500HP.

Feel free to call them, they might be able to explain it better over the phone than I can with the keyboard.