How strong is an a-body 8.25 and can you make it stronger?

[Bighead440]

@Bighead440 used an 8.25 behind a 408? 416? I don't remember for a while and it never broke. He removed it when he did some other upgrades and put something else in it. From the sound of what you plan on, I'd just go straight to a Dana 60.

Yes I used it to replace a 7.25" in my '71 Demon (318 car), and it held up to hundreds of runs with a 400hp 360 (mid/low 12s) and a 525hp 416 (low 11s) but I was footbraking with 3.91 gears and a Sure Grip. I haven't inspected it but it worked fine when I ladder bar'ed the car with an 8.75" and 4.56 gears for a stouter combo.

 

[MOPARMAGA]

When you see your new wheel and tire going in and out of the wheel well off you freshly painted car in your side mirror you'll want a different rear end then a 8.25 especially if you're driving style is spirited

 

[67Dart273]

Also consider a Ford 9. They are cheaper and more popular to find parts for than an 8 3/4, and for darn sure cheaper and lighter than a Dana, and you can swap gears in an afternoon.