how much hp, tq will 8.25 take

It was a couple of years ago and I don't recall the issue. The build included new axles and differential plus the previously mentioned rear cover. They also fully welded the axle tubes to the center housing and I want to say they did something on the housing ends to use different bearings that allowed the elimination of the c-clips but I can't recall for sure if it was that article or a differnt one.

In any case there are plenty of A-bodies running well into the 12's with 8.25 rear ends.