['ol Pinion head]

Not putting $$$$ in gray iron 8.2's, examined the pieces from quite a few that owners were determine to run w slicks & too much Torque loading,

Chevy 8.2 c-clip rers, early Buick & early Pontiac 8.2's , all lack pinion support. Later twin rib casting Pontiac 8.2's were marginally better, but still second string to the Nodular 8.2 Pontiacs which also have their limits eso in a heavier A-body.Buick had a few great ideas with their '68-70 late Buick 8.2. So did Olds w their best 67-68 Type "O"s.

None of the above various rears had the pinion support strength of the 8.5 A-body rear. How any rear is going to be torque loaded at launch, as well as the weight of the car is what I look at when preparing a platform to build. As far as 400 hp limit with an "8.2" & a 500 hp limit with an "8.5" one could state that concerning bone stock rear builds & not be far off. With well thought out upgrades, a 30 spline or 33 spline (spool) 8.5 can take a ton more abuse.