12 bolt vs 9" rear 68 Camaro

[Travis104]

Hello,
I have a 68 Camaro that I am going to start building. I will be going with a Speedtech torque arm rear suspension, and mini tubs. I am building the car to handle autox abuse from time to time. I have a 12 bolt rear with 3.31 posi, but keep leaning toward buying a complete Dutchman 9" rear that Speedtech offers. Would I be better off to save some money and build the 12 bolt, or spend the money, buy the 9" and sell the 12 bolt?

[JEFFTATE]

If you have the budget, Go with the nice new 9" and sell the 12 bolt to someone who is restoring a car. The 9" has so much more available for it nowadays, as far as HD parts, weld on brackets, bigger bearings, hubs , etc.. And a new rearend is so much better to deal with than rebuilding an old one.

[another69]

9" no doubt. Much better design, you won't regret it.

[parsonsj]

9" no doubt. Much better design, you won't regret it.Well... how important is noise to you? Nearly all aftermarket 9" setups have a noticeable whine, and it usually shows itself in street cars at around 45 mph or so. If you have a loud exhaust, a big stereo, or otherwise don't care about gear whine, the 9" is a great choice.

However, if you do care about gear whine, I'd recommend you look at a Ford 8.8. The key to the 8.8 is that you can buy new gear sets from Ford, and they are significantly quieter than the aftermarket 9" stuff. Ford 8.8 equipment is almost as strong as the 9", has 3" housing tubes, and tons of aftermarket support for axles and housing ends.

Just another alternative to consider.

[sheck44]

Travis, I'm using a 12 bolt built for 1000Hp ... and its quiet
Just make sure you break the gears in properly, I destroyed my 1st set in less than 5 minutes.... :fingersx:

Cheers
Steve

[raustinss]

My rear end is a 12 bolt with a girdle and full Floater set up ....I will have only 650 hp but should be good for 800-1000...

[AU Doc]

9" no doubt. Much better design, you won't regret it.

I don't think this is accurate. The 12 bolt is a more efficient design (link 1 (http://www.hotrod.com/articles/12-bolt-chevy-vs-9-inch-ford/), link 2 (http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/0304-9-inch-12-bolt-rearend-comparison/)). You also have to upgrade the 9" with a nodular 3rd member once you start making more than around 400 hp or so.

At any rate, both rears have their pros and cons. Comes down to preference and which you're more comfortable with IMO.

[raustinss]

Also the 9" weighs more

[Travis104]

A whining noise from the rear wouldn't bother me. I stumbled across a good deal on the 12 bolt so I picked it up a while back. Since I am basically going to be replacing everything under the body, I figured a new rear may be a good idea. The 12 bolt I have has 3.31 gears, and would need a new cover. Just weighing my options before I would put another 500 or so in the 12 bolt.

[camrat68]

If you're planning on drag racing the car on a cross country trip, a 9-inch is the way to go. Easier gear changes.

Jim

[Travis104]

Not much drag racing, but some autox. Another option is buying a new 12 bolt also? If I were to sell my current 12 bolt what would be a fair price? It's out of a 68 Camaro. Brackets have been removed from it. Complete including brakes and brake drums. I had the axle tubes professionally welded to the housing, and I am going to sandblast and paint it. Guess it comes down to I would hate to spend as much money in the 12 bolt, as I could buy a stronger new unit.

[Travis104]

The full float rear seems like a good concept from the video. There are just so many options when ordering the rear, and I'm. It exactly sure what all I need, and what is a waste of money. Car will have a Speedtech torque arm rear, mini tubs, and I want to run a 335 or 345 rear tire. Would I need the stock width rear or would it need to be barrowed? Also, would the full float rear limit brake options? I was going to run C6 Z06 brakes from kore3.

[DT69Cam]

Keep the 12 bolt. You are building a car and starting with the rear ??? Money will add up crazy fast and you will begin to scratch things off on your want list. You will have NO problem with a properly built 12 bolt. Just my .02

[another69]

I don't have any gear whine from my Strange 9". Here are a few reasons the 9" is "better"
-Gear changes are easy
-3rd pinion bearing
-Steel housing makes it easier to attach mounts to
-Superior carrier adjustment
-Better tapered axle bearings - the stock 12/10 bolt are not
-Aftermarket support
-Larger ring gear

There is a reason that the 9" is so popular in racing. Nobody swaps GM 12/10 bolts into Fords...

I love the GM 14 bolt ff, but any 10/12 bolt will just be playing "catch up" with a proper 9".