James G.

I didn't realize it was just a cover, thanks for pointing that out Murphy. RealRed70, I have the center speaker, how much would you be asking for one shipped to 04210? Thank you.

I am looking to replace the black dash pad on my 72 Monte, and came across this company that had replacements pretty cheap: http://www.carparts.com/details/Chevrolet/Monte_Carlo/Accu_Form/Dash_Cover/1972/C400750.html?TID=gglpla&origin=pla&gclid=CMWttZeI_NMCFQSHswodsFMFBg&gclsrc=aw.ds Anybody buy a dash pad from them here, and if so, what did you think? Thanks.

Is it hard to swap gears in the stock 8.5" open rear end? Mine has the stock 2.73 I believe with my 454 setup and 4 speed manual. Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

Absolutely stunning car, congrats!

I use Valvoline VR1 racing oil in my 454, 20W-50, for the extra zinc. It runs good, and no leaks.

Great find! I own a 72 original "w" VIN 454 car, but not a custom. I thought mine was rare, but this is great!

I use VR1 Valvoline Racing Oil in my 454. 20w-50 weight.

Hello everyone. I am looking to swap out my 2.56 open gear, stock 8.5" 10 bolt rear end for a 3.42 - 3.73 geared rear end and have a "fit" question. I have a guy willing to sell me his 8.5" 10-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears, used, which came out of a 1984 Chevy 1/2 ton 2WD pickup. I can get it at a very good price, with brand new brakes to boot. My question is, will this bolt up to my 1972 Monte? I have a 8.5" 10 bolt factory rear end in it now and was looking for something that I could pretty much bolt in and go. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for the help.

I would like to see an I-Phone 4 app for this site also. I do about 90% of my computer work from my I-Phone now and having this app would be a great addition!

Ok, so it seems the u-joint would be the only issue. What kind of u-joint would I need for this swap to work? Sorry for all the questions, but I have never swapped rear ends before, so this is new to me. Thanks!

Hey guys, I am looking to swap in a posi rear end into my 1972 Monte Carlo. I currently have a 10 bolt open rear end with 2.56 gears (original rear end, ID #L K B 1 5 2 2). I have a guy who would be willing to sell me a rear end from a 1969 Pontiac LeMans which is a posi unit, 10 bolt. My questions are: 1) Would I be able to bolt the 1969 LeMans posi rear end up to my 1972 Monte Carlo without much modification? 2) If it would bolt up pretty easily, would it be worth the $400 price tag since the unit appears to be in very good shape, gears look good and no rust on it at all? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! -James

I run Valvoline ZR1 20W-50 in my 72 Monte, 454 engine, with no problems. It uses zero oil between oil changes and runs like a champ.

Good luck man!!

Thanks Jim, I will check it out! -James

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I am going to save the coin for a good 12 bolt unit and drive this one in the meantime. Unless, of course, one of you has a used 8.5 10-bolt unit with 3.42 or 3.73 gears close to Maine you want to get rid of for the right price, I can come pick it up from you.

David, thank you for the reply, let me give you more info on my car: Super T-10 Transmission ratios: 1st - 2.64 2nd - 2.10 3rd - 1.46 4th - 1.00 454 Engine Power Info: 425 hp @ 4800 rpm 470 tq. @ 3250 rpm I hope that info helps you (and others) give me a good direction to head with my rear end question. Also, I don't do too much highway driving with the car, which is why I was thinking 3.73 originally, but probably more practical of a combo would be the 3.42's. It sounds like that is a good all around gear from what you, and others, have said. So, it would probably be better to go out and buy a 12 bolt rear end rather than find a 10 bolt replacement or try and put a set of 3.42's in my current rear end? Sorry for the questions, I just don't have a lot of experience swapping out rear ends, lol. Also, what would I have to change if I went from my current 10 bolt to a 12 bolt rear end? Thanks! -James

Sorry to hear about your dad, and glad to hear you are sticking with the project. Hey we all have those moments in life, glad to hear you had some good luck come your way with the motor job. Chris is a good guy, and will set you up with a nice package for sure. Good luck with the project, and keep us posted on the progress! -James

Rob, thank you for the advice. Do you think I should go out and get a posi rear end with 3.73's already in it, or try and upgrade the one I have to 3.73 gears? I am wondering which way is A) more cost effective, and going to handle the punishment of the motor and tranny the best. I have no issues with the rear end in it now, it runs great, but just looking to go down this road only once if you know what I mean. -James

Hello guys. I have a 72 Monte, BB454 car and am looking to upgrade the rear end in it. I currently have the 8.5 stock 2.73 open rear end (not posi), and want to get much better pull and quicker response with a different gear set up. I have a manual Borg Warner Super T10 4-speed tranny also. So, I was thinking of going to 3.42 or 3.73 gears. I used to have 3.73 gears in my 88 Monte SS and really liked them, but my 454 is built to 425 hp, compared to my SBC 355 in the 88 Monte so it's kind of apples and oranges, and I want it basically for a good, strong street setup in my 72. I don't care too much about MPG, but want a good mix of power without completely dumping fuel mileage. So, should I change out the guts of this open 10 bolt rear end and build this one with the gears I want, or, look to buy a completely new posi rear end with the gears I want in it. I thought about finding a Chevelle 8.5 10 bolt that has the 3.42 gears in it and trying to bolt it in, but wasn't sure on what I had to change for the conversion. Any help and suggestions on the best route to go with this would be greatly appreciated, thank you! -James

Wow, I can't believe the way this guy acted when you all gave him sound, and solid, advice for his motor needs. I have been on many forums, and run many different types of cars and find this forum to be the most friendly, honest, and well educated group I have ever had the pleasure of conversing with on the internet. I agree with what you guys said, you get out of something what you put into it, and if you don't have the coin to do it correctly now, then wait until you do instead of being mad when the half priced stuff you bought doesn't hold up and you have to rebuild AGAIN anyway. At the VERY least you are going to be disappointed that the cheaper parts you put in don't give you the numbers you were looking for because it wasn't made for your specific needs to begin with! Take the advice and run with it, these guys know their stuff, especially when it comes to big blocks! I always get great info from you guys anytime I have a question about my 72 454BB Monte, and thanks to all the knowledge gurus here for always looking out for those of us who are always willing to learn from you. This guy doesn't realize what he will be missing here.

Very nice setup you have there, and fine work indeed!

I am running Hooker Ceramic Coated Competition Headers in my car, 2" primary tube and 3.5" collector diameter. I am also running 3.5" exhaust all the way back, with the H pipe for tuning. It's a tight squeeze on the driver's side by the clutch linkage (4-speed manual Borg-Warner Super T-10), but it does fit. The part number is 2455-1HKR and orderable right through Summit. Here is a link for you: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2455-1HKR/ I hope this helps! -James

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate the suggestions. I am going to buy a new radiator next week. I figured it would be pointless to try and fix it anyway, as it is not exactly in perfect condition, lol. I will let you know what I decide to go with for a brand and model. I am going to replace the thermostat, and go with a 180 degree one, too. Do you guys have a type of radiator you prefer with your big blocks like mine to keep 'em cool? -James