Will a '74 Electra rear (8.5?) bolt into a '72 Riviera?

Nick, I thought I had read on here in a thread that the 94-96 LCA's are the same as our cars. If so, check out BMR lowers. Pretty decent price and a great piece. I had them on my '96 Imp SS (well, they're still on the car, but I no longer have it) after I cracked the original lowers. They have uppers also.

 

What the....

So the 8.5" rear out of any small block big GM car from the early 70s would bolt right up to my 73 Riv? (B Bodies, anyway) Is there an advantage as far as parts availibility? More ratios available? I assume so, or you all wouldn't be talking about and doing it. Posis available through the aftermarket? Wow.

Did he say Electra circle track car? I bet that doesn't get passed much while sliding around corners. I love this site.

Nick

 

So the 8.5" rear out of any small block big GM car from the early 70s would bolt right up to my 73 Riv?

make sure somebody didn't option in a heavy duty rear end on a small block, but yes.



Is there an advantage as far as parts availibility?

it's still possible to get bearings and seals for the 9 3/8" and 8 7/8" rears but they're probably more expensive than the 8 1/2" stuff.

there are NO aftermarket gear sets or carriers for either of the big rear ends.




More ratios available?

for an 8.5" GM? any damn ratio you feel like.

they came in a lot of trucks and are used quite frequently on circle tracks. all kinds of short ratio ring and pinions to play with.

quick google gives me anything from 2.73 to 4.56 for $155 + shipping.
http://www.nationaldrivetrain.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page29.html

Richmond goes to 5.57:
http://www.richmondgear.com/07pdfs/RG13.pdf




Did he say Electra circle track car? I bet that doesn't get passed much while sliding around corners.

a - it was used primarily as an asphalt car. slideways is not the preferred cornering method
b - build it properly and slideways isn't necessary
c - forget the corner, none of those small blocks can compete down the straight