Is 325 a decent price for 3.23 rear?

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 12:06 PM

I think I might pick up a 3.23 rear for 325, but it's only a 3 channel with no traction control.

I have a 4 channel, should I bite on this low mileage rear or wait for a 4 channel 3.42 rear?

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 01:18 PM

Why do you need to purchase one is your current rear broke?

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 01:23 PM

No, it's because it has 2.73s and I want to win.

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 01:28 PM

That I can understand. I would put that $325 in the bank and start saving. I would save for a 12 bolt,9" or S-60. While going from 2.73' to 3.23's is a little more change than 3.32's to 3.42's I would not do it. 3.73's would be much better for the A4 than the 3.23's. $325 is a good price but a waste IMO.

**Knight** · 03-03-2011, 01:43 PM

If I understand correctly, you are looking at the entire rear end assembly for that price? But you simply are looking to change gear ratios? You could just purchase a set of gears at the ratio you want, and have them installed in your existing rear assembly. A gear swap would be much easier.

But, as Z28Thunder said, the GM 10 bolts are very weak and can be expected to break. If you are looking to compete, you will need to upgrade to a different rear end assembly.

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Knight

If I understand correctly, you are looking at the entire rear end assembly for that price? But you simply are looking to change gear ratios? You could just purchase a set of gears at the ratio you want, and have them installed in your existing rear assembly. A gear swap would be much easier.

True most gears range $189 to about $215. Labor for the the install will be about $200 to $250. So it comes out about the same. I think the OP wants to keep his stock rear just for insurance should something happen. I still say save for a 12,9 or S-60... But hey just my .02...

**Knight** · 03-03-2011, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Z28Thunder

True most gears range $189 to about $215. Labor for the the install will be about $200 to $250. So it comes out about the same. I think the OP wants to keep his stock rear just for insurance should something happen. I still say save for a 12,9 or S-60... But hey just my .02...

I agree. Just wanted to make sure he knew he didn't have to change the entire rear assembly just to change gear ratios.

**Y2KPewterSS** · 03-03-2011, 02:01 PM

I have a 3 channel 3:23 10 bolt, good working order, I would think I had hooked a sucker if I got $325 for it.

Save the money for a real rearend.

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Knight

I agree. Just wanted to make sure he knew he didn't have to change the entire rear assembly just to change gear ratios.

I did the same 8 or 9 years ago. I swapped to 3.73's and with a lot of track time and putting in a aftermarket T/A the 10 bolt blew. I kicked myself for all the money I spent doing that. I saved up for a 12 and now I don't worry about it.

**Knight** · 03-03-2011, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Z28Thunder

I did the same 8 or 9 years ago. I swapped to 3.73's and with a lot of track time and putting in a aftermarket T/A the 10 bolt blew. I kicked myself for all the money I spent doing that. I saved up for a 12 and now I don't worry about it.

I agree with you 100%. Personally, I wouldn't do it either. I'd upgrade first. But he could just swap gears if he is intent on using his stock rear. It would only be a matter of time until it blew though, as you said.

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 06:45 PM

I only have a cam and won't ever go to the track, I just don't see why I need a 3k rear end for a 380-390rwhp f-body.

But thanks for all the input. I just though it'd be better than what I had.

A gear set is what...150-200 ish, labor around here for that is 300, so I figured it'd be cheaper and I'd have a spare.

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I only have a cam and won't ever go to the track, I just don't see why I need a 3k rear end for a 380-390rwhp f-body.

But thanks for all the input. I just though it'd be better than what I had.

A gear set is what...150-200 ish, labor around here for that is 300, so I figured it'd be cheaper and I'd have a spare.

True but I don't think you will see the gains you want with 3.23's or 3.42's.. You can break a 10 bolt with much less than 380 or 390... Any who.. But if you want to stay 10 I would go 3.73's...

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Z28Thunder

True but I don't think you will see the gains you want with 3.23's or 3.42's.. You can break a 10 bolt with much less than 380 or 390... Any who.. But if you want to stay 10 I would go 3.73's...

Well i've never seen comparisons done on an extensively modded car, so i have no idea if I'd net much gain at all...

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

Well i've never seen comparisons done on an extensively modded car, so i have no idea if I'd net much gain at all...

You lost me on the extensively modded car. Buy the rear and have fun with it. I am just saying you will not see much change. I know you have a cam and 4000 converter. That 4000 converter really needs the 3.73's...

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 07:18 PM

It needs anything more than 2.73s

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

It needs anything more than 2.73s

True.. But a 3500 converter and 2.73's work well.. You're making that 4000 work like heck to trying and push the 2.73's. Most if not all converter makers will say you need to change the gears when going to 4000+....

**allbaugh_04** · 03-03-2011, 07:45 PM

Hence the reason I think any gear change might be worth it, but maybe not for 325

**Z28Thunder** · 03-03-2011, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

Hence the reason I think any gear change might be worth it, but maybe not for 325

I paid 200 for a used low mile 10 bolt 6 or 7 years ago..

**oldmanZ28** · 03-04-2011, 08:42 AM

that 3 channel can be converted to 4 channel by using the 4 channel backing plates and axles.
325 is too much,I'd wait and see what else turns up. 100-150 should be the range. they're free when someone just wants it gone to up to 500 when someone is in need of one.

**TLS_Addict** · 03-04-2011, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I only have a cam and won't ever go to the track, I just don't see why I need a 3k rear end for a 380-390rwhp f-body.

But thanks for all the input. I just though it'd be better than what I had.

A gear set is what...150-200 ish, labor around here for that is 300, so I figured it'd be cheaper and I'd have a spare.

I wish you would go to the track with your car. Get a time/mph with the 2.73s, then with 3.23s, then 3.42s, then 3.73s....lol

Originally Posted by oldmanZ28

that 3 channel can be converted to 4 channel by using the 4 channel backing plates and axles.
325 is too much,I'd wait and see what else turns up. 100-150 should be the range. they're free when someone just wants it gone to up to 500 when someone is in need of one.

They want $400 at the local shop for a 75k mile 3.23 rear. They said its out of a 98 Z28 convertible GU5 car. However, the 98s are different rears right? Just the internal posi I think but not sure! lol