Aluminum driveshaft mod [Archive]

View Full Version : Aluminum driveshaft mod

95LT1Z28

01-07-2009, 02:48 AM

Ok guys, i have an a4 with a shift kit and 4.10s. No stall and will not put one in in the future. So for a strictly bolt on car (engine wise) with 4.10s and a shift kit, would I be okay to run the aluminum driveshaft from an ls1 or better yet a 1le? I would like the lighter shaft and less vibration, but I dont want to compromise the drivetrains strength. Also would an aluminum driveshaft from a 92 corvette fit, my dad has one laying around?

joelster

01-07-2009, 02:59 AM

It's not a bad mod to do, but I really think the gains (hp wise) aren't all that big. It is substantially stronger than the steel one though.

No your Dad's Corvette one won't fit.

BLOWNDFIZ

01-07-2009, 03:04 AM

It is substantially stronger than the steel one though.

Is it??? I have always kind of been looking for an alum ds for my cars just waiting for the "right" deal, but then I'll read occasionally that over 500hp/500tq they tend to twist like pretzels and I decide to stay with the steel...

Give me more reason to spend more money on these things....:devil:

Green96Z

01-07-2009, 10:43 AM

It is substantially stronger than the steel one though.

Are you sure? I could have sworn the steel DS was stronger than the aluminum one.

Fastbird

01-07-2009, 11:51 AM

You'll be fine with the LS1 DS. That's a pretty strong piece.

YZF

01-07-2009, 05:26 PM

I've seen several LS1 Aluminum shafts twist apart like the cardboard inside a roll of paper towels.

I'm keeping my stock steel shaft for the future, incase I ever make enough power/hook well enough to snap the aluminum creature.

95LT1Z28

01-08-2009, 09:38 PM

Hmm these are the same results I got asking a few racers. Some say go alum. because I dont have crazy engine mods and it wont see a stall or launch with slicks. And other ssay stay steel so it doesnt twist. I read on a forum, not sure which one, that just adding an alum. ds they gained one hp and 5 ft lbs. Now I know its not a big gain, but still a gain, and still knocks weight off the car a bit. If I find a good deal, im probably going to purchase one.

KissMyWhtSS

01-08-2009, 09:46 PM

Aluminum will be fine as long as you aren't launching hard on DRs.

YZF

01-08-2009, 09:56 PM

You're taking away rotating mass from the drivetrain so of course you will have a gain somewhere, just cant say that it'll be noticable for sure.

95LT1Z28

01-09-2009, 04:22 AM

Yeah i know it wont be a noticeable difference, but it will make a difference, and its a relativley easy thing to do.

am_muscl

01-09-2009, 10:13 PM

I bought an aluminum driveshaft from a 2001 ws6 and it is ridiculously light. A couple of my buddies on wolfpack racing told me that the aluminum can twist with a high amount of torque and to just strengthen my steel ds. I did not listen to them obviously and I don't think it will hurt you especially if it's not a race car. Although I don't think a stall would really hurt you at all. I'm gonna be running a 3,200 stall

YZF

01-09-2009, 10:30 PM

Yeah i know it wont be a noticeable difference, but it will make a difference, and its a relativley easy thing to do.

Can you manage the 4 bolts to get it out? :laugh:

95LT1Z28

01-10-2009, 05:14 AM

Can you manage the 4 bolts to get it out? :laugh:
Yeah I think I can manage:laugh:

YZF

01-10-2009, 07:24 AM

Yeah I think I can manage:laugh:

Can you be our test mule and get a before and after dyno plz? KtHx

:devil:

KissMyWhtSS

01-10-2009, 08:17 AM

http://www.ws6.com/image/graph1.gif

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/10251951-post5.html

95LT1Z28

01-10-2009, 03:40 PM

There you go YZF, i think its worth it. haha 5 ft lbs and weight decrease. Thanks for the dyno graph to dude, I was going to look for it before I scrolled down ahah.

YZF

01-10-2009, 05:17 PM

IF that TA is "all stock" those are some damn good numbers.

95LT1Z28

01-10-2009, 05:20 PM

Thats what I thought, maybe too good.

KissMyWhtSS

01-10-2009, 08:00 PM

IF that TA is "all stock" those are some damn good numbers.
It is a WS6, so the numbers are possible. I can't guarantee the validity of it though.

9SEC6SPD

01-10-2009, 10:50 PM

i have an aluminum ls driveshaft for sale. pm if interested.

joelster

01-10-2009, 11:00 PM

Is it??? I have always kind of been looking for an alum ds for my cars just waiting for the "right" deal, but then I'll read occasionally that over 500hp/500tq they tend to twist like pretzels and I decide to stay with the steel...

Give me more reason to spend more money on these things....:devil:

A 500hp/500ft-lb motor is a serious piece. I wouldn't want ANY sort of stock drivetrain item in my car at that level. People run the aluminum driveshaft well into the 10's all the time.