terrys6t8roadster

My 6t8 came with the smaller diameter half shafts. Are the 3" shafts stronger? I located a pair from a 75, but heard the thickness of the tube wall was thinner. T

lionelhutz

People with lots of power seem to be able to twist-up the larger diameter factory shafts fairly easily so I don't think they're a worthwhile upgrade.

Alan 71

Hi T,
All 58-72 cars were equipped with the same half shafts regardless of engine option.
The difference was in the fastener hardware used on the half shafts' u-joints; straps/nuts on the lower hp cars and caps/bolts on the higher hp cars.
Regards,
Alan

terrys6t8roadster

Guess I'll stay with the original shafts and see how they hold up behind the upgraded engine. T

Kid Vette

These are stronger. 1963~1979 CORVETTE REAR AXLE HEAVY DUTY STEEL HALF SHAFT DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES - 3" x .083"

7T1vette

If you have more than 400 hp and intend on using wide, sticky tires, you might be better off with stronger half-shafts (aftermarket) AND safety straps around them.

If you just have good street tires, the stock shafts will be fine. You'll just make a lot of smoke.

terrys6t8roadster

Thanks Kid Vette, that's the type of info I needed. Any idea of the torque rating they have?
7t1, I have Dragvette's 6-link setup with outer half shaft loops, I expect with the Vortec S/C to have around 600 hp and am running Continental slicks.
So any info on heavy duty diff output shafts and outer axels would be terrific. T

7T1vette

Internet search will find some custom alternatives. But, I would think that any good quality, well outfitted driveshaft shop would be able to make something out of aircraft quality aluminum (or high strength steel) tubing, if they had the joint caps for the ends and the length required. You just need them made out of a material that can resist the torque spikes you might get from high-power starts.

I'm not sure what the material spec was for the stock half-shafts. But, I'm guessing that it wasn't any exotic stuff which would cost more money.

RBrid

Question: Are BF Goodrich Radial T/A 295/50/15 considered sticky tires or good street tires? I'm trying to figure out how heavy my right foot will be able to be when my '77 is completed. Thanks!

7T1vette

T/A Radials are just decent street tires.

RBrid

Thanks 7T1vette. I was concerned that the '295' would put them into the sticky category.