Aluminum Driveshaft

red65

Member

Apr 12, 2003

411

0

17

Ann Arbor, MI

Sep 9, 2004

#1

• Sep 9, 2004

• #1

I'm having a driveshaft made up for my '65 -306 EFI w/ about 350FWHP, 350ft-lb FWT, Cobra T-5 trans and 9" rear. I'm planning on mostly street-driving, hopefully a little road racing, and limited drag strip (maybe once just to see). The driveshaft shop recommended a 3.5" OD 6061-T6 aluminum tube with 0.125 wall. A few questions:

Does that size sound right?

Anyone have experience with durability on Al driveshafts? Will it last for a while or am I in for a new one everytime I chirp second?

Any clearance issues with 3.5" tube?

Thanks for your help guys.

 

S

slapper

Founding Member

Mar 6, 2002

447

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0

Sep 9, 2004

#2

• Sep 9, 2004

• #2

You won't have any problems with it.
3" would work fine with that power.
3 1/2" will get a little tight in the tunnel, but it will fit.

 

dodgestang

Active Member

Dec 15, 2003

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37

Cecil County, MD

Sep 9, 2004

#3

• Sep 9, 2004

• #3

I run a 3 inch unit in my 65 with 400 RWHP. Hasn't given me any trouble yet, but I also don't run slicks, just standard street tires in 255.

 

66P51GT

New Member

Nov 7, 2003

721

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Cerritos, CA

Sep 9, 2004

#4

• Sep 9, 2004

• #4

On the same subject, can a late model (Fox body) aluminum driveshaft be modified to fit a 66? I'm running a T-5 with an 8". I don't know the lengths of either.
Thanks

 

O

Ozsum2

New Member

Jul 28, 2004

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Sep 9, 2004

#5

• Sep 9, 2004

• #5

Is this thing front wheel drive? (FWHP, FWT)

 

L

Luminox

New Member

Jun 18, 2004

39

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Anne Arundel County, MD

Sep 9, 2004

#6

• Sep 9, 2004

• #6

I think FWHP = Flywheel Horse Power... and FWT = Flywheel Torque.

At least I hope so.

 

O

Ozsum2

New Member

Jul 28, 2004

695

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Sep 9, 2004

#7

• Sep 9, 2004

• #7

Luminox said:

I think FWHP = Flywheel Horse Power... and FWT = Flywheel Torque.

At least I hope so.

Click to expand...

Ahhhhhh, I see. I thought RWHP was rear wheel, so FW was front wheel.

 

red65

Member

Apr 12, 2003

411

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17

Ann Arbor, MI

Sep 9, 2004

#8

• Sep 9, 2004

• #8

Ozsum2 said:

Is this thing front wheel drive? (FWHP, FWT)

Click to expand...

haha Fly Wheel...

 

H

hsr

Member

Apr 15, 2004

138

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17

Riverview, MI USA

Sep 9, 2004

#9

• Sep 9, 2004

• #9

66P51GT said:

On the same subject, can a late model (Fox body) aluminum driveshaft be modified to fit a 66? I'm running a T-5 with an 8". I don't know the lengths of either.
Thanks

Click to expand...

I run a '89-91 Ford Aerostar. Paid $20 for it at the JY. It cost me $100 to have it shortened/balanced and $30 for new Spicier joints.

BTW: Starting in '91, they have correct yoke to fit T-5/Toploader.

Don't understand why more people aren't using them.

 

G

gp001

Founding Member

Jun 30, 2001

4,401

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66

So. Cal.

Sep 9, 2004

#10

• Sep 9, 2004

• #10

I run an aluminum shaft from Inland Empire Driveline Service and haven't hurt it yet (20+k hard miles). I had it when I had my C4, then had it shortened and yoke changed when I did my 6 speed swap. I do only have 338.9 RWHP and 335.5 RWTQ though

 

ratio411

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

3,870

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109

Pensacola FL

Sep 9, 2004

#11

• Sep 9, 2004

• #11

Aluminum shafts are what they used in 98-02 LS1 Camaro/FBs.
They had 300 rwhp and a warranty off the showroom floor with an aluminum shaft.
I beat mine like a redheaded stepchile, and other guys do even worse and they are not known for breaking.

 

S

slapper

Founding Member

Mar 6, 2002

447

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Sep 10, 2004

#12

• Sep 10, 2004

• #12

gp001 said:

I run an aluminum shaft from Inland Empire Driveline Service and haven't hurt it yet (20+k hard miles). I had it when I had my C4, then had it shortened and yoke changed when I did my 6 speed swap. I do only have 338.9 RWHP and 335.5 RWTQ though

Click to expand...

I think they make the best driveshaft available.

 

66P51GT

New Member

Nov 7, 2003

721

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Cerritos, CA

Sep 10, 2004

#13

• Sep 10, 2004

• #13

slapper said:

I think they make the best driveshaft available.

Click to expand...

I've heard the same thing.

 

G

gp001

Founding Member

Jun 30, 2001

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66

So. Cal.

Sep 10, 2004

#14

• Sep 10, 2004

• #14

They definately are the best. One of the main things I liked about their alum ds is that the balance weight is actually welded on. Many shops epoxy them on. They know their stuff and can churn it out in a day or 2.

 

ratio411

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

3,870

73

109

Pensacola FL

Sep 10, 2004

#15

• Sep 10, 2004

• #15

Anyone try a carbon fiber shaft?
Lighter than aluminum and strong as steel.
They are getting to be a common 'off the shelf' item for some cars.
A little spendy though...
700 for an f-body shaft.
They are light as a feather and put more power to the wheels.
Dave

 

1

10secgoal

Active Member

Dec 1, 2003

2,801

3

49

San Diego

Sep 11, 2004

#16

• Sep 11, 2004

• #16

There is a place here in florida that builds them for 180 with new u-joints and a yoke. Cheaper if your don't want all that stuff. It's 3.5 stock and the weights are welded on, too. 411 for Dependable Driveshaft in St. Pete. Can't remember the #