Rear end .02
 

My project is well under way and I have been focusing on all aspects at the same time,except for the rear end. I'm now looking for a quick suggested direction to focus on rear end. 69 Camaro w/built LS1, not sure on tranny yet. Probbaly going to put in new rear leaf setup due to price. Currently have stock 10 bolt. Will it be strong enough? Should I build it up? Should I buy new 12 bolt? New 9"? New after market? etc...

What tires?

Last week I was going with 315 or 335 and mini tubing. This week after pricing out the total conversion I think I am staying with 275x18. Still up in the air

You can build it cheaper than buying new if what you have is in good shape and depending on what you want to do with it. At least that's what I came up with on my existing 12 bolt. I have a friend who's going to narrow it, weld new tube ends, set the gears, weld bracketry for 4-link suspension. I came up with about $1900 (give or take a hundred) to completely rework mine including a new True-trac differential, axles, bearings, gears, performance cover, pinion yoke, etc. and his labor. A new Moser 12-bolt was going to run me around $2900 plus freight. Just my $.02

There's your answer. Do nothing, leave it 10 bolt stock. Good luck with it.

Once you start making changes then things will snowball. Like mini tub, 4 link, narrowed tank, 335 w new wheels, brakes, 9 inch narrowed and beefed up - at least that's the way it works for me. Double the price and triple the time and your close to the final answer, IMO.

10 bolt 8.5
 

Why not the 8.5 10 bolt? it will handle as much as the 12 bolt will. and 1/2 the price to build - thats why GM stopped building the 12 bolts. not needed any more the 8.5" is GM's HD rear end since then. I build and sell 8.5" rears