Aluminum Driveshaft

[red65]

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.

 

[slapper]

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]

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]

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

 

[Ozsum2]

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

 

[Luminox]

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

At least I hope so.

 

[Ozsum2]

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

At least I hope so.

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

 

[red65]

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

haha Fly Wheel...

 

[hsr]

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

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.

 

[gp001]

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]

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.

 

[slapper]

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

I think they make the best driveshaft available.

 

[66P51GT]

I think they make the best driveshaft available.

I've heard the same thing.

 

[gp001]

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]

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

 

[10secgoal]

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 #