Midyear rear end exchange

[Craig F.]

Would the rear end from a 1978 corvette bolt right into a 65 small block car? Would there be any potential problems that I should be prepared for??

[Joe L.]

Re: Midyear rear end exchange

Would the rear end from a 1978 corvette bolt right into a 65 small block car? Would there be any potential problems that I should be prepared for??

Craig-----


Yes, it will bolt right in; no problem, at all. There are a few things to note, though:

1) The rear end cover for 1965 and 1978 are different. However, the 1978 cover can be used with the 1965 and its original configuration rear spring IF spacers are used and if the 78-79 spring plate and bolts are also used. Otherwise, the 1965-77 style cover will bolt right on to the 1978 "pumpkin";

2) The 1978 rear end MAY use cap type stub axles; the 1965 small block will not. So, if the 1978 rear end uses the cap -style axles, you'll need to obtain the caps. This configuration, of course, will be "incorrect" for a 1965 small block but a functional improvement;

3) The 1965 rear end will use a pinion flange designed for use with a 1280/1310 series u-joint; the 1978 rear end will use a pinion flange designed for use with a 1330 series u-joint. So, you may need to swap pinion flanges (they are directly interchangeable for both rear ends) OR use a conversion u-joint at the rear driveshaft position.

That's it.