Output Shafts
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,137
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From: Texas
Output Shafts
Visually, how can you tell the difference between "heavy-duty" output shafts and "standard" output shafts (i.e dimensional difference, stamping, etc., or just material difference)? I will likely be getting a set and I want to know if there is a way to make sure I get what I paid for.
Also, I have heard that only one of the shafts is typically a problem (the right one I believe). Does anyone have any experience with this? Do I only need one shaft?
Thanks!
Sean
'01 C5
'00 R6
'00 ML430
Also, I have heard that only one of the shafts is typically a problem (the right one I believe). Does anyone have any experience with this? Do I only need one shaft?
Thanks!
Sean
'01 C5
'00 R6
'00 ML430
Safety Car
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From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Output Shafts (R6_C5_ML430)
The factory part has a machined groove right at the splined end of the left (long) shaft. The replacement shafts that have been produced thus far have not had that nd are larger diameter as well. Do a search and you should find some recent posts with pictures of both. You always break at the weakest link... Do you really want to replace just one? ;)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
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Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
The factory part has a machined groove right at the splined end of the left (long) shaft. The replacement shafts that have been produced thus far have not had that nd are larger diameter as well. Do a search and you should find some recent posts with pictures of both. You always break at the weakest link... Do you really want to replace just one? ;)
JC
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From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Output Shafts (The One)
Joe, you are correct about the diameter differences. Ernie clearly feels it's necessary. Frankly I would be more worried about the groove though. The shafts do not appear to be breaking in the tapered region (i.e. the middle of the shaft.) I can't find your pic of the BPP shafts... Was the groove (not the groove for the c-clip at the extreme ends of the shaft) reproduced on their part or not?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 640
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From: Upper Marlboro MD
Re: Output Shafts (The One)
[Q]
Slight clarification: according to a previously posted pic of the VetteDr's hardened shaft, the center "tapering" of the shaft is still there. It's just a hardened material. (Topless, please correct me if I'm wrong!) The BPP shaft, on the other hand, is the same diameter the complete length of the shaft. Looks like a stronger piece to me. ;)
JC[/QUOTE]
I concur, for my money looks like the BPP is the stronger looking and proven unbreakable to date. :seeya
Slight clarification: according to a previously posted pic of the VetteDr's hardened shaft, the center "tapering" of the shaft is still there. It's just a hardened material. (Topless, please correct me if I'm wrong!) The BPP shaft, on the other hand, is the same diameter the complete length of the shaft. Looks like a stronger piece to me. ;)
JC[/QUOTE]
I concur, for my money looks like the BPP is the stronger looking and proven unbreakable to date. :seeya
Team Owner
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From: Lithia FL
Cruise-In II & IV Veteran
CI VI Drag Champ!
Re: Output Shafts (R6_C5_ML430)
There are some pics of The Vette Doctors hardened shaft next to a stock shaft at the thread below http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=225891
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
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Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
... Was the groove (not the groove for the c-clip at the extreme ends of the shaft) reproduced on their part or not?
JC
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Re: Output Shafts (The One)
... Was the groove (not the groove for the c-clip at the extreme ends of the shaft) reproduced on their part or not?
The BPP shaft does not taper AT ALL! The stock one (and VetteDoc's) tapers out/in at each end.
JC
The BPP shaft does not taper AT ALL! The stock one (and VetteDoc's) tapers out/in at each end.
JC
Thanks, vetterdstr :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,448
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From: Humble tx
Re: Output Shafts (vetterdstr)
I have not heard of the left shaft breaking. I thought it was the right. I bought one from Ernie and have not installed it yet. I will check with him now to see if I am right.
Randy Goss :cheers:
Randy Goss :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Upper Marlboro MD
Re: Output Shafts (rfgoss1)
I have not heard of the left shaft breaking. I thought it was the right. I bought one from Ernie and have not installed it yet. I will check with him now to see if I am right.
[Modified by Sir Sel, 10:42 AM 2/19/2002]
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From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Output Shafts (Sir Sel)
It usually is the left side that breaks.
For those unfamiliar with the shafts, here again is the relevant exploded view from a service manual:
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/froz...loded_view.jpg
Item 22 is the left output shaft, 17 is the right. Every one that I have seen or heard about has broken in the same place as in the pic The One posted above, outboard of the center tapering. The factory shafts are not twisting in half in the middle, I don't know how big a selling point I think the larger diameter is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
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Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
...I don't know how big a selling point I think the larger diameter is.
Also, the reason (IMHO) the right shaft never seems to break is the fact that it is considerably shorter and thus able to withstand greater forces.
JC
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From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Output Shafts (The One)
Take another look at that pic. The BPP shaft IS in fact a larger diameter at the break point in question. ;)
To answer the original question, the BPP shaft is visibly distinguishable from the stock unit. The Vette Doctors' part may not be so east to spot.
[Modified by ToplessTexan, 3:11 PM 2/19/2002]
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,137
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From: Texas
Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
If the cause of failure is not due just to the diameter of the shafts (and material yield strength), perhaps a better surface finish (15 RMS or better) or shot peening / bead blasting the shafts would help.
If someone could tell me what the diameter of the shafts are and the material they are made from (i.e. AISI 4140 etc. - preferably the minimum yield strength) it would be easy to calculate the maximum rear wheel torque and HP that the shafts could handle.
Torque (ft-lbs) = ((Shear Min Yield Strength (psi) * Polar Moment of Inertia (in^4)) / Shaft Radius (in)) / 12 (in/ft)
HP = (Torque * RPM) / 5,252
Sean
'01 C5
'00 ML430
'00 R6
If someone could tell me what the diameter of the shafts are and the material they are made from (i.e. AISI 4140 etc. - preferably the minimum yield strength) it would be easy to calculate the maximum rear wheel torque and HP that the shafts could handle.
Torque (ft-lbs) = ((Shear Min Yield Strength (psi) * Polar Moment of Inertia (in^4)) / Shaft Radius (in)) / 12 (in/ft)
HP = (Torque * RPM) / 5,252
Sean
'01 C5
'00 ML430
'00 R6
Former Vendor
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From: miami,fl,usa
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
Ours is thicker at the break point and we do not taper down at the middle. Maybe it is a overkill but we to this date have not broken another shaft and do not wish to do so. You can find the pics of our shafts on our website. Go to online catalog then rear ends.
Thank You
Ernie
BreathlessPerformance.com
Thank You
Ernie
BreathlessPerformance.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
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Re: Output Shafts (ToplessTexan)
... There is a machined groove between the splined area and the *beginning* of the taper, the little collar looking area.
Next time we meet up I'll have it with me for inspection. :crazy:
JC