I had 7.5 and 8.8 inch rear ends in the garage and did a comparison.

The 7.5 weighs 90.1 lbs. the 8.8 weighs 115.5 lbs.

I assume 25 lbs. is substantial unsprung weight.

I weighed both of them as housings with gearsets, track lok, pin, cover, no axles, or brakes. The axles and brakes interchange so no effect on one weight vs. another. They both have the same mounting features.

The 7.5 is weaker, but in a CMC car will probably last. I have heard of some lasting to fairly strong drag racing duty.

Gears are avail up to 3.73. The 7.5 holds less fluid, but is it negligible?

The 7.5 actually has a tighter trak lok than a stock 8.8 because of plate stack.

Anyone ever try it? If anyone wants to, I will donate what I have to the effort. I can pass it off to someone at Road Atlanta.