How strong are the original rear ends in the 1956 150's? Will they stand up to newer engines. I am about to aquire a 56 150, and I am considering putting a 1988 corvette tuned port 350 and a tremec 5-speed in it. Will the original rear end hold up to this combo, or should I consider upgrading it too? Eventually I would like to put a Curry direct replacement 9" in it, but funds won't allow that at this time.Any input would be appreciated.
They sure held up in the 50's and 60's and we didn't even try to take care of them. Personally I've blown transmissions, clutches, u-joints, even dropped a driveline in the middle of the street (damn slicks!) in the late 60's. But I never tore up a rear end and I only remember a couple of guys that did tear them up.
Overall pretty strong. You figure a good running 57 with 411's and overdrive had fair torque and HP.
Just my opinion...
It depends on the type of abuse you intend to administer to it. If you're going to race every weekend, then consider a better rear end, i.e. 12 bolt, 9" Ford, Olds/Poncho, Dana 60 or what ever your budget will allow. If you're just driving it with an occasional redlight, truck on and use it. Regardless, I would pop it open and inspect it for abnormal wear.Originally Posted by driley333
That engine put out less than 250 hp and the stock rear end can handle more than that.
Jim
Just because it's old dosen't make it a classic:
and just because it's rare doesn't make it cool.
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I agree with the other guys. I had a stock 4:11 rear behind a muncie and 390HP Corvette 427, and it held up fine. There were lots of these rearends behind stout engines in the 60's and 70's.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
did bust up my stock rear once at the drag strip, but must tell you i was experianceing some wheel hop at the time. still have the stock rear in my car now only with a big block. will upgrade to a posi soon. will let you know how that turns out.
The stock rear will hold up to moderate power/abuse on the street if you have posi. The axle shafts are the weak link if you have posi.
All bets are off if you're at the track and have drag radials or slicks. You will eventually break something.
Whith a speeder its sooner than later on the breaking stuff with sticky tires.
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