Thread: Converting to Positraction

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Okay I got my car on the road and I need more traction than my current set up is giving me. Can I just change out the gear set and convert my rear end to a posi traction with out any other modificaitons? Is this a difficult task to master? Or would it be cheaper to go find a posi rear end and change the whole thing?

It's a '65 chevy, coil spring mounted, 10-bolt (I think).

Thanks.

Sounds like it is as simple as "out with the old and in with the new" .

I'll start shopping around then. Thanks!

If you've never set up a set of gears do alot of research it can be challenging. Due to the tolerence differences in housings it is not as easy as just throwing it in. The gears need to mesh correctly, and this can take alot of trial and error in shim's. Start with the original shim's and adjust from there. I have taken old bearing's, pinion and carrier, and machined them just loose enough to be slid on and off easily so it is easier to change shim's.

Ron

Ron, I agree with you after reading the thread that Denny supplied. wow...very nice thread. (awsome pics too) Thanks Denny.

My suggestion, if you plan to add power in the futre, is to find a 12 bolt rear end, then have it set up with gears and posi you want. The set up of the gears is someting for someone who knows what they're doing and has the required tools. If you find a complete 12 bolt unit for a full size car, then you can rebuild it, including the brakes, then swap the whole thing out. At the same time you can replace the control arm bushings. If you plan adding really serious power, you can box the control arms to stiffen and strengthen them. That will improve your handling.

The Biscayne is a realatively heavy car and with a lot of power you will start finding the week points in your drive train. It would be a shame to shell a brand new 10 bolt rear end that you have just invested $$ in. It should not be too difficult to find a 12 bolt that would fit.

Pat

Valid points Stu. Out of curiosity then, what do you figure a 10-bolt can handle in terms of torque/power?

I dont know what my future plans are for the engine just yet (I just got it running so I am going to abuse it for a while) but right now D2000 estimates my motor at around 380hp/500lb-ft which which, in my unprofessional opinion, is about how it feels (tons of grunt). Barring any catastrophies, I will most likely enjoy it for about 2-3 years and work on the rest of the car in the mean time.

With that said, do you think my current 10-bolt with a posi would suffice? (providing that was the more cost effective route) I just need a little more traction.

I think with an automatic and street use you will probably be OK, Especially if you don't put too sticky a tire on. If you get drag radials and a high stall converter or manual trans, then I think you are borderline. Others may have different experience. My thought was to spend the posi and gear money only once.

Pat