I'm looking at putting one of these two on when I upgrade to 4.11s:



http://www.taperformance.com/proddet...p?prod=TA_1803

http://www.performance4trucks.com/Dr...ct&emlprox=out

Any experience with these? Pro/cons? I've used the TA style in the past on F-bodies and liked them, the fact that they act as a girdle is a plus.

 

I think mine is similar to the first cover. I run the Moser Engineering Cover/Support with Moser/ARP studs on the caps. So far proven to mid 1.5's and around 30 launches to date at over 600HP with a 4500+ rig.







INFO: http://www.moserengineering.com/othe...nd-8-2-gm.html

 

I'd recommend the TA cover over the Mag Hytec, just for the extra support it gives to the diff bearings. I have one on my truck as well.

 

Here is mine. They are 5 mintues from where I live, I also got the studs to replace the bolts like above and they have the kits for them as well. Also I used stainless socket caps screws as they don't rust. I have had good luck and also had a smaller cover on my s10 that was the same for 5 year until I rolled my truck and then I put in on my LT1 firebird with a t-56 with 180,000 miles on it and never had a rear end problem and I know I was hard on it for about 20,000 and I mean really hard on it.

 

When you order from TA the stud kit is listed as a 19.95 or so option. I would recommend it as well. They are great place to deal with and nice everytime I have gone in person and or talked to them on the phone. I also added a filtermag magnet jbwelded to a flat spot I ground in the inside of the cover it was a GP 101 magnet with 20 pounds of force about 21 for the mangnet and also made in Phoenix. Since the cover was aluminum I didn't know what else to do and the factory magnet was weak, but the new one really is pretty strong for a rear end, and I added the same one to my tranny pan as well. Also the cover is really thick and it pulls the heat out like there is no tomorrow. I like that it helps to cool the rear end by acting like a heat sink.

 

The TA cover will provide more strength and is good insurance on the 8.5" ten bolt, however you highlighted the 14 bolt cover. The mag hi tech has more fluid capacity and will probably keep it cooler.

The 14 bolt is much stronger so you will have to decide if you want more and possibly cooler fluid OR a bit more strength in the girdle type cover.

I have the TA on mine, but it is a ten bolt.

Also, If you have a rear sway bar or plan to install one, the mag hytec has clearance issues due to being deeper. Again this is on a ten bolt. You will have to ask the manufacturer on the 14 bolt.

 

I do have the 9.5" 14 bolt and am torn between which to run for the same reasons. I doubt I would have any clearance issues and the mag hytec is a bit more spendy but I think in my case additional cooling might be the better way to go.

 

I've been meaning to buy one of these.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Drivetrai...pn=BTFBTF11022

 

I could be mistaken, but I believe the T/A cover does increase the oil capacity in the diff. Probably not as much as the Mag-Hytec, but still...

If you go with the T/A cover/gusset, don't get the one with the recessed adjusters. I did(got a good deal used), and it's a PITA to adjust and torque. The normal non-recessed version is much easier.

 

I've been thinking about getting an increased capacity rear cover for my 10 bolt to try and keep temps down. I'll be sure to keep an eye on this thread.

Calbo, do you remember how much more oil the TA cover for your 10 bolt held?