Is it worth rebuilding (or reinforcing) the T5 in the SN cars or forking out another couple grand for a TKO model? My motor should put low to mid 400's rwhp and I know the stock transmission isn't going to last very long behind it.

 

just get a tko, if you get a g-force or a a-5/t-5, it'll all cost you the same in the end

 

Can you recommend a company for the rear end also? Or answer the question of how strong the stock 8.8 is?

 

depends on how much power you want to put to it?? I run HD yukon 28 spline axles and at that 4 lug still and my car has run 10.70's on that with 3.73's a rebuilt t-loc and a rear end girdle......so my rear is very mild and it handles the power fine.....an 8.8 is a tough rear, add 31 spline 5 lug axles and either a locker and it'll hold 500 hp.....you could even go c-clip eliminator an take it one step further for added insurance.

 

The power I'm guessing will be low to mid 400's to the wheels. How much power are you throwing at the rear? I was also going to go the 3.73 route

 

I'm aiming at an 11 second car but then again I havent even thought about suspension

 

the 8.8 will take just about anything you can throw at it. but like said it will need better axles and a stock T lock even rebuilt with good clutchs and mods is only marginal at best it works ok for the street and a few times a year at the track but if you are gone to be racing every weekend at the track it will not hold up and it will start breaking clutch's. This why I went with a spool.

 

Cool, you guys have given me a starting point. On the topic of drive line, are the aluminum driveshafts worth it?

 

Every penny. Less rotational mass = less power lost.

 

I meant strength wise. I keep reading they arent as strong as the stock ones