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Couplers obviously gone, bearings seperated, and the end of the shaft if gouged pretty good. Also inside the torque tube badly gouged from all this mess. Whats the best route to replace all these...replace all couplers, bearings, seals, and reuse the gouged torque tube or is there some company that sells complete assemblies? New to Corvette so excuse my ignorance. TIA
I would look for a late 2001 or later year torque tube - bigger parts and much more durable (Manual trans only I believe)..
I seem to recall they are compatible. Someone will confirm, reject or expand upon this statement.
Cheers
Correct, here are the technical details of the change in 2001 to support the Z06 which was rated at 385HP
• Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in diameter from 55 to 63 mm.
• Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability (prior to 2001 the coupling used 10mm bolts and 2001 the couplings use 12mm bolts). The driveshaft is held in place by bearings inside the torque tube. In 2001, a stronger driveshaft was put into all C5s to cope with the higher performance of the Z06. The driveshaft was changed from a metal matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, and was increased in diameter from 55 mm to 63 mm. Driveshaft couplings also were upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability.
Visual difference between the 10mm coupling TQ Tube Vs the 12mm coupling TQ Tube.
Note the 12mm coupling TQ Tube assembly is a direct replacement for the 10mm coupling TQ Tube and bolts right up with no issues as I have done this upgrade on a few 1999 C5's myself.
In the OP's case, if it was me and my money, I would get a 12mm coupling TQ Tube assembly off of "fleabay" and rebuild it and install it...
Side Note> the TQ for the Auto Trans will not work for a Manual Trans car due to a completely different configuration of the shaft and TQ Tube structure.
Cheers,
Goose
Last edited by 69; Aug 7, 2020 at 08:59 PM.
Reason: added info
Anyone have a link to where I can get bearings and seal for a C6 torque tube??
I found aftermarket billet ones with polyurethane bushings at eckler’s and the guy I chatted with said it only takes one I know it takes two.Would it be worth the extra money at $195? V/s $35? BTW: car makes well over 700 on E85
Last edited by 03hdfatboy; Aug 21, 2020 at 04:37 AM.
Well I went threw the same issues when I built mine, I replaced the couplers and bearings and still mutilated the couplers. I ordered a complete torque tube from RPM and advised the HP of engine and they built me one to handle 1000hp. been doing well for 3 years now. Just food for thought.