Help Me Choose: Tranny or Rear

[NC85]

I've got a bone stock 86GT(182K) that I plan on 1/8 mi. racing this year. I'm torn between doing the following first:

1. Buying a 3550 with bellhousing,shifter, and clutch (needs one)

2. Buying 31splines,T-loc,4.30s,driveshaft, and clutch(needs one)+90/10s,4cyl fronts, solid u/l, subframes, and welded boxes.

My budget is roughly 2K right now and I'm leaning towards option #1 due to its high initial cost.

Goal is to run at least 8.5(shooting for 12s) on 26X10.5X15 ET Streets with all the cheap mods. Also have 1-3/4"longtubes that I plan on installing last after #1 and #2 are complete.

So, what would you do first? Thanks.

 

[cobrabuilder]

Do you have the stock '85 T-5 in place now?

 

[NC85]

Do you have the stock '85 T-5 in place now?

Yeah, its still in there.

 

[strtracer442]

Go with #2,you will notice more of a performance increase with the 4.30s, and the car really needs to have its suspension upgraded to put any power to the ground. A stocker t-5 will hold up for awhile, just buy an aftermarket shifter. My 89lx T-5 has held up for more than 2 years runnin 12.20s

One other thing, Id much rather have a transmission break than a axle, the damage would be alot less.

 

[Kdubslugga]

go with your 1st option. Get it out of the way. Even if you go with number 2, there both great upgrades. Whatever you feel is best. IMO it would be number 1 though.

 

[NC85]

I'm going to do #1 because #2 is always messy