Hey all,

I'm restoring a '74 Omega. Not sure what engine was in it from the factory, but it finally ended up my garage it had a 454 in it. Ran a bit rough, so I bored it 60, put in an Eagle Competition Rotating Assembly, Edelbrock power package top end kit, MSD ignition, and topped it off with a demon 870 Carb. I also rebuilt the transmission, replaced the wiring and even replaced the driveshaft. That was before I had kids, now that I'm a father, I can't really afford to dump all my money into my car, so I've been looking for ways to keep restoring and not break the bank. So I heard a rumor that an early '80s SS Camaro rear end will pretty much bolt right in to replace the original. I still have the one wheel peel, and want the Positraction and disc brakes that would come with it. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

There were no early '80's SS Camaro but IIRC any rear from a '70-'81 Camaro or Firebird will bolt in. A lot of the later Z28's had 3.42 or 3.73 ltd slip. Look for a four speed car w/out AC and it should have better gears.

 

Welcome, post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

Thanks for the info Droptopron! I'm already seeing what I can find in my area!

I didn't notice until now but I don't have many pictures of my Omega. But here you go, these are kinda old. I'll take some new ones when I get a chance.

 

Nope. 70-81 rearends are wider and won't fit. 67-69 camaro/firebird rears will work. If your current 74 Omega rear is a 8.5 10 bolt, then you can use the guts out of a later rear. Check the rear you have now, it may be an 8.2

Edit with pic, 74 Omega rear on top, 81 Camaro rear under.

rearends.jpg

 

Thanks for the info Black Sheep! It really helped! I actually already have an 8.5! So I'm just going replace the internals. I've been looking at limited slip diff's, I used summit for the initial search and it came up with an Auburn Gear Inc diff. I've never heard of them, so I thought I'd ask and see what's good brand that will give me the best bang for my buck. Also how can I tell what gear ratio I have? I haven't taken out my rear end yet, I just want to get a strong understanding of what I'm going to do before I actually start doing anything. Thanks for all the help!