Rear axle work, Essex - 1998 Z28 5.7

[FerdiZ28]

Afternoon all


Would anyone know of a reputable place to have some rear axle work done on my camaro? the N/S is grumbling, I'm guessing bearing. Also, anyone know if it is easy to change the ratio at the rear end while the work is being done? If so, what rear end would you reccomend?

I'm in Colchester, looking for something relatively close, grumbling is worrying me in that it might promote a fiery, screamy death.

Appreciate I am probably up for some kind of lurking award, I shall be more active from now on.

Cheers all, all the best.

Ferdi

[Buffyd]

FerdiZ28 said:

Afternoon all


Would anyone know of a reputable place to have some rear axle work done on my camaro? the N/S is grumbling, I'm guessing bearing. Also, anyone know if it is easy to change the ratio at the rear end while the work is being done? If so, what rear end would you reccomend?

I'm in Colchester, looking for something relatively close, grumbling is worrying me in that it might promote a fiery, screamy death.

Appreciate I am probably up for some kind of lurking award, I shall be more active from now on.

Cheers all, all the best.

Ferdi

For manual, people recommend 4.10, for auto 3.73, which is what I currently have in my kitchen waiting to be fitted to my Z28. They're both pretty short compared to the stock ratios, but I've not heard anyone have a bad word to say about either and as mine is not a daily, has a stupidly long 2.41 (thanks to a fuel-conscious previous owner) and still gets poop fuel economy I figured I'd go for a ratio that would really wake the car up.

[FerdiZ28]

Thanks for that mate. Mines not my daily either and is already compromised with handling work and a few mpg costly mods.

Any recommendations as to someone who would be able to fit?

[Buffyd]

FerdiZ28 said:

Thanks for that mate. Mines not my daily either and is already compromised with handling work and a few mpg costly mods.

Any recommendations as to someone who would be able to fit?

It's funny, a few people on the American forums were talking about the engine "screaming" on the freeway with the shorter gears, but using this handy tool (ratio/MPH calcualtor at the bottom) http://www.andysautosport.com/learning_center/calc... I worked out that, with the 3.73s, at 70mph the engine will be sitting at 2350rpm. In my E39 540i with a 5-speed auto, 70 equates to just under 2200rpm and if it was a Sport, with the shorter final drive, at 70 it would be doing 2400rpm, higher than what the Camaro will doing! I really don't know what they're moaning about!

Regarding fitting, I don't know anyone in your area I'm afraid. But, this would be a good place to ask, some very helpful folks on there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanCarsUK/

[FerdiZ28]

Thanks fella, interesting link, explains all the maths involved!

I'm on the facebook page, shall put a post up. American Technique fitted all the coilovers, braces and stuff but I'm not confident in the journey round the M25 with the bearing noise.

Thanks for your advice, you on the classic camaro forum?

[Buffy d]

FerdiZ28 said:

Thanks fella, interesting link, explains all the maths involved!

I'm on the facebook page, shall put a post up. American Technique fitted all the coilovers, braces and stuff but I'm not confident in the journey round the M25 with the bearing noise.

Thanks for your advice, you on the classic camaro forum?

No worries, but I'm not a fella Though can see why you might assume I was!

I'm using Redline American Muscle for the work on mine, but they're in Rochester so not much closer to you unfortunately. I know Essex is keen on Yanks so I'm sure there's got to be at least one reputable place nearby that can do the job. You'll also need to have your speedo re-calibrated for the new gears, which is easier said than done. From my research it appears that the GM Tech II diagnostic system can't do it, so you (and I) will need to find someone with the right equipment to be able to do it. One option is to buy a handheld tuner from the States as they allow you to tweak parameters like that quickly and easily.

I'm not - I did have a look but it seemed a bit quiet, so I've been using the American forums for help and advice.

Edited by Buffy d on Friday 29th January 09:35

[FerdiZ28]

Apologies for the assumption!

Thanks for the advice, much obliged.

[Camaro]

Unless your Z28 is going to become a strip weapon you don't really want anything more than 3.73:1 on the street, at least with your manual you've got a very long 6th gear, but 1st will be pretty much redundant and come up very quickly.

Regards changing the bearing, not hard at all if you're handy with tools and have a slide hammer. You can buy an axle rebuilt kit for about $100 + shipping, it'll take no more than a day to change both sides.

Changing the ratio is a much more complicated job and requires some specialist tools, there are a couple of places that specialise in this, one being Hauser Race Cars near Northampton, and Southern Axle Services in Watford. All a bit of a trek for you, but I know Hauser would be a one stop shop for changing the ratio and getting you all the parts in one go.

[FerdiZ28]

Very kind and good advice, I shall give hauser a call today.

Much obliged!

[chevy-stu]

Another vote for Southern axles. They've done 3 jobs for me now, all no issues, same day turnaround and good value...

[twistedsanity]

Southern axles all the way

[Buffy d]

Where have people gone to get their speedos recalibrated after a rear end gear swap? From what I've read it's not something the GM Tech II can do and it looks like the only option is using a handheld tuner like a Diablosport inTune. The previous owner but one of my Camaro wanted better fuel economy for his jaunts down to his place in France and fitted what looks to be a 2.41 ratio, but never bothered having the speedo recalibrated so it's massively out, and I want to do things properly when I get my gear set fitted.

[irocfan]

Buffy d said:

Where have people gone to get their speedos recalibrated after a rear end gear swap? From what I've read it's not something the GM Tech II can do and it looks like the only option is using a handheld tuner like a Diablosport inTune. The previous owner but one of my Camaro wanted better fuel economy for his jaunts down to his place in France and fitted what looks to be a 2.41 ratio, but never bothered having the speedo recalibrated so it's massively out, and I want to do things properly when I get my gear set fitted.

used to be a place called Autopontiac who really knew their onions - owner could get a bit primadonnaish but was certainly worth it.

[Buffy d]

irocfan said:

used to be a place called Autopontiac who really knew their onions - owner could get a bit primadonnaish but was certainly worth it.

They're still around, and he still has that reputation! Not visited but will keep him in mind.