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Old 02-24-2008, 05:56 AM
Stovebolter's Avatar
Stovebolter Stovebolter is offline
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C4 Corvette IRS

I'm toying with the idea of the C4 Covette IRS for my truck now. I've been reading through the many threads on this subject but still have some questions.

1. Is there a difference in carrier sizes? I found one with the 3.42 gears but I'm wanting to drop 3.73 or 4.11 in it. I wasnt sure if I'd have to make changes with the carrier.

2. I'll be running a max of 500 hp, but most likely the 01 WS6 LS1 will remain stock for quite some time. I know this is like asking an apple and organges question, but, has anyone ran the Dana 44 in a higher hp application and faired ok without too many complications? I imagine I should stay with a Dana 44 over the Dana 36?

3. On the pre 40 cars, do these seem to make much of an improvement in handling and ride quality? Just curious.


I'm thinking I can get one of these set up cheaper than what I would have if I went with the Moser set up with disc brakes. I'll be making my own mounts, having the half shafts modifyed at a local driveshaft shop, and running the coil-over set up versus the OEM set-up. And get the drive of a IRS.

Thanks,
Dave
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  #2  
Old 02-24-2008, 08:40 AM
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Notorious Notorious is offline
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re: C4 Corvette IRS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stovebolter

3. On the pre 40 cars, do these seem to make much of an improvement in handling and ride quality? Just curious.



You can drive my C4 and then you be the judge!
Especially if using one with a coil-over set-up as you mentioned, you can really dial in the ride and handling easily. These are really neat packages being all aluminum as they are. The D44 will hold up fine to 500 HP or even more, in what I assume is a street vehicle. I know a guy whose heavily modified 409 cid LT4 C4 makes over 700 HP on motor alone or over a 1000 HP with a 300 shot thrown in. Although he mostly does LSR racing with it, it does see the strip sometimes too. And he hasn't broken his, yet!
The most common gear you'll find from the factory in the 44 carrier is a 3.45. '85 to '88 cars that used the 4+3 manual transmissions had a 3.07 ratio. You may also occasionally run across a 3.31 or a 3.54. Of course lower ratios are available if you so desire, as are internal upgrades for added strength.

**************************************

This is the '88 to '96 style although the carriers and batwings are all interchangable from '84 to '96. For instance, I have an '85 D44 in my '95 which came with a D36, being an automatic trans. car.

Last edited by Crosley : 02-24-2008 at 09:43 AM. Reason: Please use the Hotrodders Classifieds for classified ads.
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Old 02-24-2008, 08:46 AM
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re: C4 Corvette IRS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Notorious
........If you're interested though, I'd sell it............




Notorious-you are supposed to advertise parts for sale in the classifieds. Or you can PM the person.


Later, mikey
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  #4  
Old 02-24-2008, 08:58 AM
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Stovebolter Stovebolter is offline
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re: C4 Corvette IRS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Notorious
You can drive my C4 and then you be the judge!
Especially if using one with a coil-over set-up as you mentioned, you can really dial in the ride and handling easily. These are really neat packages being all aluminum as they are. The D44 will hold up fine to 500 HP or even more, in what I assume is a street vehicle. I know a guy whose heavily modified 409 cid LT4 C4 makes over 700 HP on motor alone or over a 1000 HP with a 300 shot thrown in. Although he mostly does LSR racing with it, it does see the strip sometimes too. And he hasn't broken his, yet!
The most common gear you'll find from the factory in the 44 carrier is a 3.45. '85 to '88 cars that used the 4+3 manual transmissions had a 3.07 ratio. You may also occasionally run across a 3.31 or a 3.54. Of course lower ratios are available if you so desire, as are internal upgrades for added strength.
I have one of these complete rear set-ups for sale (minus brakes) although it's with the D36 carrier, so you'd still need to buy a 44 carrier and batwing. ********************** This is the '88 to '96 style although the carriers and batwings are all interchangable from '84 to '96. For instance, I have an '85 D44 in my '95 which came with a D36, being an automatic trans. car.


Thanks for the response. I believe you've answered most of my questions. I already have a rear in mind. Found an 85 low mileage Dana 44 complete for $800. I just wanted to make sure what I was getting into.

Thanks,
Dave

Last edited by Crosley : 02-24-2008 at 03:00 PM. Reason: Please use the Hotrodders Classifieds for classified ads.
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Old 02-24-2008, 09:47 AM
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re: C4 Corvette IRS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stovebolter
Thanks for the response. I believe you've answered most of my questions. I already have a rear in mind. Found an 85 low mileage Dana 44 complete for $800. I just wanted to make sure what I was getting into.

Thanks,
Dave

That's a steal. The D44 carrier alone is worth at least that much, whereas a D36 carrier is only worth $150 to $400 tops. If you need any more info, just let me know. If you're using an OD automatic, you might just be surprised how well it'll work with the 3.07 gear in that '85 unit. The OD trannys have a very low first gear ratio compared to the old 3 speed autos. That's why I installed an early unit in my '95, specifically because I wanted that ratio. With a 3000 converter it launches like a bear. And even with my stroker engine it still gives me over 27 mpg on the highway.
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Old 02-25-2008, 05:26 AM
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Stovebolter Stovebolter is offline
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re: C4 Corvette IRS

I'll be running a fairly tall tire. The 3.45's may work out fine for me. I'll try it first with the 3.45's and go from there. I've calculated my engine speed at highway speed and it'll probably work.

I notice that some of the vendors offer the 4.11's (thicker). I remember back when I was working with 12 bolts that I had to have low geared carrier for the lower gears. Thats mostly why I asked. I've never messed with the Dana's. This will be a first for me. I'm not all that worried about making my own brakets....etc. It seems fairly straight forward.

Appreciate the response!

Dave
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