914 V8's: What breaks first?, Drivetrain Options

[Dunc]

All you v8 conversion guys. I hear all sorts of opinions as to what breaks when you convert to v8 power. I would like some opinions:
1. Axles: I hear that these are the weakest link. Replacing them with 911 shafts seems to be the "fix"?
2. 901 transmissions. When they fail, what breaks? The case? Gears/shafts?
3. What level of hp/torque is the limit of a 901 setup.

Thanks.

Mike

[computers4kids]

Dunc,
I have a mild SBC conversion, Generation 1 305, vortec heads, roller rockers etc, shorty headers, Edlebrock 7116 Performer RPM (not air gap) 1500-6500 RPM Power, with a 901 with a H gear for 5th and am very happy as a daily driver. Its a well sorted, simple conversion but it really depends what you want. Doing it again, I should have installed fuel injection and could always have used a little more power LOL. Currently, it has between 275-300 hp with 300 pounds of torque to the rear wheels-which develops mid range. Then again, no matter how much HP you have, you'll say the same thing after a while. These cars are amazing to drive with the HP.

The trend now, is not to use the traditional SBC motors but more modern motors. No matter what direction you go, to do it right it all adds up.

The 305 5.0L variant of the small-block Chevrolet introduced in 1975 had a displacement of 305 cu in (5 L) with a 3.7350-inch (94.869 mm) bore, and 3.4803-inch (88.4 mm) stroke.