OT, kind of...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
OT, kind of...
I have an aluminum driveshaft going in my '88 Trans Am that needs to be shortened 2" to fit the THM 400 that I'm using. Driveline shop wants $85.00 dollars to shorten and balance it (seems reasonable), or $285.00 for a good steel one.
My question is: are the alloy shafts strong enough for say, 300 wheel horsepower? I always like to save weight, but not at the expense of durability. I would expect them to have some elasticity compared to steel, but that might be a bad thing!
Any thoughts?
Hans
My question is: are the alloy shafts strong enough for say, 300 wheel horsepower? I always like to save weight, but not at the expense of durability. I would expect them to have some elasticity compared to steel, but that might be a bad thing!
Any thoughts?Hans
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Strength is not usually an issue. The main advantage of an aluminum driveshaft is less weight. You'll find larger dia shafts on heavier duty units. A C3 corvette has a very short driveshaft so the difference between alum and steel is really insignificant. On a crew cab F150 the driveshaft is as big as a small tree trunk and 6+ feet long, so you can bet it's made of aluminum. I usually pay $50-80 for a shortening and balance, so you got a good deal. Remember to replace both U joints while you're at it.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Talked to the guy at the driveline shop again, and he said he could only weld the alloy shaft that is NOT made in the Three Rivers plant! How wierd is that? The part number is 10085375 (standard in MM6 trans 94-97 F-body) and was a warranty replacement part for a vibration TSB.
Hans
Hans
