C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Broke something when launching at drag

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 12, 2017 | 11:28 AM
  #1  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default Broke something when launching at drag

Hi guys,

I need help figuring out what i broke last night at the drag. I started my first run with okay burnout and easy launch. However on the second run i warmed up the tires very good and launched very hard but it didn't last long after 2 wheel hops as i was letting off throttle i heard slight snap and popped out of first gear.
at this point i tried to move on second gear and third but nothing happend. Rolling in neutral i don't hear any clicking or noise car runs fine and goes in gears fine as well but it doesn't move when in gear.

When i select my gear and let off the clutch slowly i hear a clunk and noice coming from in between the torque tube area and transmission area.
i don't think its the axles i got a feel of them and seemed solid.

Can any one tell me what to look for to find the problem?

Current mods (03 z06) has magnuson 5psi boost along with rxt twin disc mcleod clutch, toyo r888 rubber.
stock trans, diff, axles, driveshaft

Hope someone can point me to the right direction.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2017 | 01:36 PM
  #2  
493lszosix's Avatar
493lszosix
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 660
Likes: 181
From: Knoxville TN
Default

Sounds like you broke the output shaft on transmission
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2017 | 01:38 PM
  #3  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

either snapped the trans output shaft or the diff output shaft(s)... either way you are going to have to remove the drivetrain and it will be very obvious what the issue is when you get to that point... when you get the suspension and cradle out of the way separate the diff from the trans, if the trans output shaft broke hopefully it didn't take the diff out with it... I would suggest an aftermarket diff mount and motor mounts on the reinstall to help prevent wheelhop/drivetrain shake
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 02:03 AM
  #4  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
either snapped the trans output shaft or the diff output shaft(s)... either way you are going to have to remove the drivetrain and it will be very obvious what the issue is when you get to that point... when you get the suspension and cradle out of the way separate the diff from the trans, if the trans output shaft broke hopefully it didn't take the diff out with it... I would suggest an aftermarket diff mount and motor mounts on the reinstall to help prevent wheelhop/drivetrain shake

Thank you.
I will try and take it apart next week Hopefully.
is the output shaft same thing as main shaft?
i hope its not the trans
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 02:10 AM
  #5  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

yeah that's another name for it, unfortunately it does sound like that's the issue since the car won't move... usually if the diff shafts break it's almost always the longer one and the car will still move since the other shaft is good... I don't think I have ever heard of someone breaking both diff shafts at the same time... since your car won't move it sounds like the trans is the problem, when the output shaft breaks it is common for it to bust the differential case as well so hopefully that didn't happen
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 02:19 AM
  #6  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
yeah that's another name for it, unfortunately it does sound like that's the issue since the car won't move... usually if the diff shafts break it's almost always the longer one and the car will still move since the other shaft is good... I don't think I have ever heard of someone breaking both diff shafts at the same time... since your car won't move it sounds like the trans is the problem, when the output shaft breaks it is common for it to bust the differential case as well so hopefully that didn't happen

Sorry i sould have mentioned the car slightly moves but it stops after 6 inches maybe not even and thats it.
damit i was just starting to have fun lol. So if it is the tranny i assume its ideal to replace and upgrade shafts in diff axles and drive shaft while things are apart.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 12:35 PM
  #7  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,183
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

I tell people if your going to drag race get a trans/diff brace !!!!!!
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 09:38 PM
  #8  
C5 Pete's Avatar
C5 Pete
AMP Racing
Supporting Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Default

The good news is if the car will move, the trans is probably not broken.

Likely an axle or output shaft. Hopefully an axle as they are easy to replace.

Good luck!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 11:15 PM
  #9  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default

Originally Posted by Pounder
I tell people if your going to drag race get a trans/diff brace !!!!!!
I am going to look into that now! I see the importance the hard way lol.

Originally Posted by Capthuff
The good news is if the car will move, the trans is probably not broken.

Likely an axle or output shaft. Hopefully an axle as they are easy to replace.

Good luck!
i had time today raised the rear end and left the car in gear, the passenger side turns freely and left side is fine. I guess its time to upgrade the diff.

Does anyone know if its a good idea to upgrade the diff or just the output shafts?

Thanks everyone for your help!
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2017 | 11:21 PM
  #10  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

well it could have been much worse so I guess that's good bad news... call Rick at rkt56 or rpm and they can upgrade the internals with c6z stuff for pretty cheap and it is pretty stout compared to the stock c5 stuff... if you get into swapping the diff out for something like a wavetrac or quaife with dss shafts then you will be spending a chunk of money
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2017 | 10:29 AM
  #11  
TX Z06 02's Avatar
TX Z06 02
Pro
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 604
Likes: 25
Default

Do this: Its quite simple. Parts are around $500-$600.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-z06-guts.html
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2017 | 05:09 PM
  #12  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
well it could have been much worse so I guess that's good bad news... call Rick at rkt56 or rpm and they can upgrade the internals with c6z stuff for pretty cheap and it is pretty stout compared to the stock c5 stuff... if you get into swapping the diff out for something like a wavetrac or quaife with dss shafts then you will be spending a chunk of money
I am going to swap the parts to c6z06 its much cheaper and reasonable. I will call them for parts.
tnk you.

Originally Posted by TX Z06 02
Do this: Its quite simple. Parts are around $500-$600.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-z06-guts.html
Thank you sir!

I have been searching online how to take out the diff. I remember while back i found a good write up but i cant open that page anymore for some reason.
If you know a link please send it to me.
i know the cradle and axle must come out but does the turque tube and tranny have to come out as well?
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2017 | 05:27 PM
  #13  
C5 Pete's Avatar
C5 Pete
AMP Racing
Supporting Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Default

The TT and trans do not have to come out. You will need to lower the tail of the trans quite a bit and will likely have to remove the intake manifold so as not to damage it against the firewall.

The output shaft for the transmission is quite long. You'll need to slide the diff off it and the rear tub will be in the way if you don't lower it enough.
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2017 | 03:28 PM
  #14  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Check out the links provided. They will answer a LOT of questions and give you some options.

- - C5 ragtopws6, T-56 Build (whats in my tranny?) : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/nort...-smoother.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/northern-california/2504176-exoticas-z06-will-be-rowing-a-little-smoother.html>
-
- - C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/2486242-upgrading-your-c5-rear-with-c6-z06-guts.html>
- -
-
- - C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966 <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-tech/2547887-output-shaft-install-left-and-right.html#post1573407966>
-
- - C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/2077727-leaky-butt-fixed-ga-zillion-photos.html>
- -
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2017 | 09:06 PM
  #15  
Jim1991's Avatar
Jim1991
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 4
From: vancouver british columbia
Default

Originally Posted by Capthuff
The TT and trans do not have to come out. You will need to lower the tail of the trans quite a bit and will likely have to remove the intake manifold so as not to damage it against the firewall.

The output shaft for the transmission is quite long. You'll need to slide the diff off it and the rear tub will be in the way if you don't lower it enough.
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Check out the links provided. They will answer a LOT of questions and give you some options.

- - C5 ragtopws6, T-56 Build (whats in my tranny?) : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/nort...-smoother.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/northern-california/2504176-exoticas-z06-will-be-rowing-a-little-smoother.html>
-
- - C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/2486242-upgrading-your-c5-rear-with-c6-z06-guts.html>
- -
-
- - C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966 <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-tech/2547887-output-shaft-install-left-and-right.html#post1573407966>
-
- - C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html <http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/2077727-leaky-butt-fixed-ga-zillion-photos.html>
- -

I pulled the diff out and all went fine so far.
i orders the c6 z06s shafts and right side gear with the snap rings with all the seals around the differential.
the clutches and springs looked fine. I didn't see any cracked.
thank you all for the help!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Broke something when launching at drag





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:26 PM.

story-0
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE