Have an opportunity to pick up an Aspen wagon for free. It's a 318 auto car. I haven't taken a good look under it yet. Can anyone tell me what this thing weighs as opposed to an A-body? Also, would this have come with an 8 1/4 rear in it? I have a slightly warmed over 360 I'd like to put in it. Basically stock with a cam change. specs on cam at .050 are .221 intake .224 exhaust .445 lift intake and .465 exhaust. Factory spreadbore intake and headers. I am assuming it has a 904. How long with it hold up to a 360 before I have to tweak it? Thanks.

http://www.allpar.com/model/aspen-volare-specs.html

the wagon is the same as a 4 door sedan, really, with a back cargo area, in place of the trunk. it will "hotrod" as easily as a 2 door, or 4 door sedan. scroll down on the page i linked to, for weights for each model.

Properly built with stock parts the 904 will go forever with your combo. A 727 fits with no problem. A 66-70 b-body 8 3/4 will bolt in if you use the lower shock plates as well. They are heavier than a A-body.
Doug

The 8.25 axle was available in the F body cars, but from my wrecking yard scrounging, the ratio was about 65% were 7.25 axle equipped.

Thanks for the link. From what I read there the rear should be an 8 1/4. It said that the wagons and V-8 cars, along with heavy duty applications had the 8 1/4. This is a V-8 wagon, so it's a pretty reasonable assumption. What kind of after market gears and sure-grip units are available?

Ive had a 904 running behind my 360 for several years it got hot rodded everytime it got drove the trans never gave me a problem until i let it set without fluid in a shop on the floor now shes a boat anchor. 904's are pretty darn tough.

IIRC, all V-8 F-body wagons got the 8-1/4" rearend....maybe even all wagons, period.

Wagons are always heavy with the extra glass and body surface, so add 300-400 pounds over an A-body.