What's going on guys trying to figure out which direction I want to take with my diff. Not here to say that Ben's product isn't good because it is and I haven't heard of a diff breaking. I did a search and nothing came up in reference to a blown puddymod diff. At the same time I'm really not hearing of many guys running them either, seems like most are going with an 8.8 now of days. I'm currently making mid 400s but would like to be around 550 and the car is turbo charged. I really don't want any more than 550 because that’s when I feel like stuff is going to want to let loose or I'll have to upgrade to a twin disc which I'm not willing to spend the money for.

After I choose which route I want to take I plan on taking the car to the track periodically. If I go with a puddymod diff it will be the stage 4 diff but I'm hoping others who run this diff will chime in.

 

Just understand nothing is bulletproof, then create a budget. Ben is my option because I trust his product, his knowledge and experience and he is local to me. what he does to the s2000 pumpkin matches the needs I want out of a diff, and the install is straight forward(just install & uninstall). The 8.8 diff requires more money, another diff, axles, driveshaft etc. just feels like too much for what I would like. Puddy's stage four is definitely a beast but it will all depend on your driving style whether any diff lasts or fails

 

Ben is my option as well. Just a five minute talk and you can tell this guy is going to take care of all your needs

 

I don't have either of it, but if i were u,i will go with 8.8 with the power u had right now.
8.8 pros: strong enough for 1000whp, fron diff,drive shaft to axle.
Cons: more money.
Puddy mod pros:cheaper easier to work on.
Consretty pricy too,cause it's9nly the diff,not including the drive shaft n axles.
If axle break while in high speed ,u know what will happened.


So it's up to u.
Good luck

 

For the price you really cant go wrong with the full blown 8.8". If the diff itself was the only weakpoint then sure go puddy mod stage 4 all day. But you also need to address the weak axels and drive shaft for that power level. So if you factor in upgraded axels, driveshaft, and the puddy mod diff its way more than the full blown 8.8 would have cost you from the get-go. Atleast thats my justification... I have 507whp and snapped my stock axel on my 3rd launch on my street tires at the track.

 

This is a first of hearing that the drive shaft is a weak point as well. I am leaning more towards Ben's stage 4 since I don't want crazy power. If you add up the price for a stage 4 on top of the axles it's still cheaper. Can go with driveshaft shop or gator.

Thanks for the replies guys. The purpose for this thread is to understand why some would rather go with a stage 4 diff and vice vesa. Making sure I weigh both options to see what works best for me.

 

Put it like this.

Either dish out the cash or have less power.

I went fbm 8.8 with 5.9 axles w dss driveshaft.

Ya rear end was solid, ap2 Trans blew on me on my 5th launch at the track.

I'm only at 550 too.

I'm not familiar with puddy mod but IMO if you want to go balls to the wall, expect to dish out more money than just for the diff for the track.

 

I personally would recommend puddymod, he really helped me with my diff and is a stand up guy that knows his stuff about the rear ends in our cars.

 

In addition, a lot of people forget that the final gear in a 8.8 pumpkin will need to change. If you open up a 8.8 you may as well upgrade the led as well too which causes cost to go up as well. with only 550whp the puddymod stage 4 will be enough, for piece of mind I would use low boost 1-2 with 3rd gear starting max boost. The worry isn't will diffs hold while moving, more so will it handle the shock of power/torque. remember it's all about how you drive, abusive or not

 

I like simplicity so I went with a Puddymod stage 3 rear end after contemplating going 8.8. Ben said that he has a customer with a 1.5 stage rear end that does 9s. Plus, he can buy your rear end from you.