When Is An Aluminum Girdle Necessary?

**CJREX** · 11-13-2007, 07:25 PM

Title sounds like an Oprah episode, eh? j/k

I've got the bug and am going to start modding my 2001 SS.

I know these cars have a weak rear end so I was thinking that the aluminum girdle should be my first mod, but I don't know if I need it.

My car is an auto, 3.23 gears, CAI, SLP lid and Loudmouth exhaust.

It is a street car only. No drag strips, no drag radials, no stalling up the torque converter (unless a Mustang is in the next lane, heh heh, uh, theoretically speaking of course).

Am I OK?

Or should I order it now?

My first mod is going to be LT headers because my LM exhaust has an annoying resonance at around 2k rpms and I've read that headers can remove that.

Will the headers spell the end of my axle without a girdle?

Thanks for any info!

**Y2KPewterSS** · 11-13-2007, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by CJREX

Title sounds like an Oprah episode, eh? j/k

I've got the bug and am going to start modding my 2001 SS.

I know these cars have a weak rear end so I was thinking that the aluminum girdle should be my first mod, but I don't know if I need it.

My car is an auto, 3.23 gears, CAI, SLP lid and Loudmouth exhaust.

It is a street car only. No drag strips, no drag radials, no stalling up the torque converter (unless a Mustang is in the next lane, heh heh, uh, theoretically speaking of course).

Am I OK?

Or should I order it now?

My first mod is going to be LT headers because my LM exhaust has an annoying resonance at around 2k rpms and I've read that headers can remove that.

Will the headers spell the end of my axle without a girdle?

Thanks for any info!

Headers should not spell the end of your rear end. Auto(A4) trannies are much more forgiving on the rear end than manual(M6) trannies.

Its not uncommon for M6 LS1 combos with stock power levels and slicks to blow rear ends. You can add several mods to an A4 LS1 before it usually breaks a rear end though.

**INMY01TA** · 11-15-2007, 08:20 PM

Waste of money. Skip it. A4 with no drag strip time will be fine.

**hamburger68** · 11-16-2007, 02:19 PM

i have one, if you have gear noise, it will quiet down a lot. also, they are supposed to keep the temperature down, good if you drive fast over longer distances (my freeway speed is usually 100+). i also like the fact that it has a drain plug.

**INMY01TA** · 11-16-2007, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by hamburger68

i have one, if you have gear noise, it will quiet down a lot. also, they are supposed to keep the temperature down, good if you drive fast over longer distances (my freeway speed is usually 100+). i also like the fact that it has a drain plug.

I agree with ya on the drain plug. Quieting down gear whine??

lol

**JwMonE99** · 11-16-2007, 08:57 PM

What exactly is an aluminum girdle?

**INMY01TA** · 11-16-2007, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by JwMonE99

What exactly is an aluminum girdle?

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=210

**chevyss1234** · 11-16-2007, 10:35 PM

what's a preloaded bearing cap? how does it work? jw

**hamburger68** · 11-17-2007, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

I agree with ya on the drain plug. Quieting down gear whine??

lol

no, if your gears really whine, changing them will quiet them down. been there, done that. but the general gear noise was noticeably less with the new cover. makes sense, cos the thick aluminium resonates less than the stamped sheet metal.

**hamburger68** · 11-17-2007, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by chevyss1234

what's a preloaded bearing cap? how does it work? jw

essentially bolts that support the differential carrier bearings to keep them from flexing under stress.

**JwMonE99** · 11-17-2007, 07:43 PM

Could it actually prevent ur rear end from braking?

**Wesman** · 11-17-2007, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by JwMonE99

Could it actually prevent ur rear end from braking?

Directly prevent it from breaking?? Probably not. But could it help by keeping the bearing caps from flexing and therefore preventing gear whine and damage to the ring/pinion which could lead to rear end failure?? Definitely. And for that reason, I think its a good investment. Not to mention the drain plug is also very useful.

**JwMonE99** · 11-17-2007, 09:25 PM

Doesnt sound like a bad investment

**INMY01TA** · 11-17-2007, 09:50 PM

I don't think it helps keep the rear from breaking, just looks cool and the drain plug is a plus.

**hamburger68** · 11-18-2007, 02:24 AM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

I don't think it helps keep the rear from breaking, just looks cool and the drain plug is a plus.

you gotta view it under the "every little bit helps" aspect. if it makes the rear even a little stronger, why not do it? not a big investment anyway...

**Wesman** · 11-18-2007, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by hamburger68

you gotta view it under the "every little bit helps" aspect. if it makes the rear even a little stronger, why not do it? not a big investment anyway...

Exactly. It looks cool, has a drain plug, and helps to strengthen the rear end. One of those mods that has no downsides.

**yellowv** · 11-18-2007, 01:54 PM

I have one. Definatly doesn't quiet the rear down, but it does keep the rear end oil cooler and has a drain plug. Plus any little bit of strenghtening it adds can't hurt. Also if your getting long tubes to get rid of your loudmouths drone you are going to be sorry. With long tubes you will want to throw the LM in a river.