C2 whiney rear end

brumbach · 03-20-04, 02:20 PM

Maybe I've forgotten how high performance rear ends sound. As a teenager, my first car was as 67 chevelle ss with 373 rear end. That was thirty-five years ago. Last year I bought this delightful 65 vette. Needed a little work but I thoroughly enjoy tinkering with it. It's relaxing, enjoy putting the world's problems on hold while I get lost in grease, oil, and yester-year technology. I think gardners call it "earth theopy". Anyway, seems that the rear end (370) is a bit whiney. It's not annoying but is clearly loud based on today's standards. Sounds more like a truck rear end. I've checked oil level and it's fine. Have I just forgotten how things are or should I tinker with this too?

Bill

WayneC · 03-20-04, 02:36 PM

Most differentials will whine a bit, usually worst at specific speeds. In the Corvette, you are sitting in pretty close proximity to the differential, so it is more noticeable. You ought to try riding in some other midyears to see if the noise is the same. The backlash setup of the differential gears can make a big difference, as can excessive wear; sound deadening under the carpeting would help, but if the noise truly IS annoying, a differential rebuild may be the best fix.

67HEAVEN · 03-20-04, 03:04 PM

You sure it's the diff? Maybe you've got a M-22....surprise!!!

brumbach · 03-21-04, 01:46 PM

M-22 surprise?

67HEAVEN · 03-21-04, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brumbach

M-22 surprise?

Wouldn't it be a nice surprise to find out that your 4-speed was a M-22 rather than M-21 or M-20?

brumbach · 03-21-04, 05:27 PM

I gather the M22 make more noise than the others. Yes, that would be a pleasant surprise. Are there visible marking to distinguish the M22 from the others?

66427-450 · 03-21-04, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brumbach

......seems that the rear end (370) is a bit whiney. It's not annoying but is clearly loud based on today's standards. Sounds more like a truck rear end. I've checked oil level and it's fine. Have I just forgotten how things are or should I tinker with this too?

Bill

could be someone installed a set of Richmond gears in it. Good strong gears, but they do whine a bit more because of their design/geometery.

Vett-Less · 03-21-04, 05:40 PM

If a gear whines that means it's not lubed or it's on it last legs. Take it to a pro. Latter

Sky65 · 03-21-04, 10:23 PM

Does the whine increase as road speed increases? If so, you are probably hearing diff or wheel bearing noise. Wheel bearing noise will ususally change intensity if you swerve back and forth while you are driving. Diff bearing noise may be more noticable either on or off throttle. If the noise changes with each gear change, you most likely have a transmission noise, M22 trans or perhaps a bad bearing. My guess anyway....

Sky

brumbach · 03-23-04, 06:29 AM

Actually the noise is most noticeable in the lower rpms. I'm reasonably certain it's not in the transmission, as shifting doesn't seem to change the pitch nor intensity. The noise is not annoying just louder than I recall from my youthful days. I'm inclined to accept the explanation that I'm sitting much closer to the diff in the vette than was in my chevelle. I'm also absent sound proofing that may be a contributing factor.

magicv8 · 03-30-04, 02:18 PM

Your mufflers are obviously too good. Get some side pipes, and you won't even be able to hear the radio or passenger.