I own a '72 Riviera that I'm planning on running 13's in. The engine will be a 72 block, w/ Stage 1 spec heads, 10:1 forged pistons (In case I want to get carried away w/ Nitrous!), Edelbrock Aluminum Intake, TA's coated shorty headers, MSD Digital 6 ignition, their sick blue coil, and whatever cam TA will spec that'll let me use the stock valvetrain (maybe some Rhodes lifters). The final driveline configuration will include a switch pitch torque converter, reverse valvebody rebuilt TH400, gearvendors over/underdrive...which leads me to rear end! I've the standard 2.91 (.93?) rear end in it now, and I want to track down a Riv GS rear end. I think it has to be a 71-72 only, the 73's were different, I think. Lookin' for that 3.42:1 launch/acceleration and the ability to spin BOTH the tires! Gentleman, I invite your advice. One caveat...mileage matters...gonna try and do 13's AND 'teens for mileage. Nathan
:TU: The '71 & later style 9 3/8 3.42 gears are VERY hard to find. Just do a search on this board for 9 3/8 Buick for TON of good info... Personally, I'd forget the expensive of a GV OD, & watch for a set of '71+ 3.23 9 3/8 gears. The 3.23's are out there in much higher numbers than the 3.42's, & will work fine with the level of 455 you have in the boattail Riv. The 3.23's will also fit on same carrier as your 2.93's. No elusive low series (3.42 only) carrier to hunt down, or custom spacer to have made. As far as twisting the stock 9 3/8 axles goes, you're well within the capacity of the stock axles. Darby (Grandville 455) has a very well thought out Pontiac 455 in a similiar heavy car combination utilizing the 9 3/8. Have to ck with him, but I believe his 4800lb GV is getting close to the 12's on slicks :TU: Worried about the stock axles, you can always paint pen a line on them, then remove & ck 'em after a several runs on slicks. Over the years, running stock 12 bolt axles has scared me more than when running several of the heavier duty BOP alternatives. :3gears: Roger
