There's a good article in the January 07 Chevy High Performance magazine on beefing up an 8.2" rear. It's in a 67 Nova turning 11s. I realize a Nova is alot lighter than our Elkies, but I believe most of us 3rd genners have 8.2s and this is more cost effective than changing to 8.5s or 12 bolters. I've already done all that they suggest except the girdle, which is only $150 from Summit, before I even saw the article. Goes to show that performance ain't cheap, but it doesn't have to be expensive either.