Torque tube shortening
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ponce Inlet Florida
Torque tube shortening
I have a wrecked C5, everytime I set out to do something with it cost turns me away.
I also have a 73 MB 350sl with a blown motor. Would it be a big deal to shorten the torque tube and use the entire drivetrain of the C5 in the Benz. They handle like crap and are way underpowered. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm not afraid of cutting up the benz. Thanks
I also have a 73 MB 350sl with a blown motor. Would it be a big deal to shorten the torque tube and use the entire drivetrain of the C5 in the Benz. They handle like crap and are way underpowered. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm not afraid of cutting up the benz. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
Do you mean putting the transmission,torque tube, and rear cradle from the 'Vette into the Benz?
It probably would make for a "fun" car, but I could see a LOT of precise fabrication and welding required.
Did I mention that the torque tube and cradle would have to be precisely located into the Benz's chassis, as a torque tube set-up doesn't have the mis-alignment tolerance that a normal driveshaft has?
It probably would make for a "fun" car, but I could see a LOT of precise fabrication and welding required.
Did I mention that the torque tube and cradle would have to be precisely located into the Benz's chassis, as a torque tube set-up doesn't have the mis-alignment tolerance that a normal driveshaft has?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
It sounds like a fun project and would make a unique car. You have to maintain the alignment of the tube ends but that shouldn't be too hard to do.
Are you thinking suspension too or just the drivetrain. I suspect the MB is IRS so you could mate the axle shafts to the C5 diff and run it, or you could replace the suspension as well.
Are you thinking suspension too or just the drivetrain. I suspect the MB is IRS so you could mate the axle shafts to the C5 diff and run it, or you could replace the suspension as well.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ponce Inlet Florida
Thanks for the input. Yes I want to replace the entire suspension. I think the Benz has nice lines esp. with the small bumpers of the 73 model. If I shorten ( torque tube) the WB to the 96.9 in. of the Benz. the alignment should be right. The vette only has 14000 on the clock.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
If cost is making you turn away from repairing the C5, then you should probably not even consider the Benz swap. That's a money pit waiting to happen, and after all is said and done you still have a 73 Benz body. There's way more going on than just shortening the torque tube.
