steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

Is there a measureable advantage for aluminum over steel driveshaft? Is one more durable? This is a SS car.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

I ran a back to back test when I swapped over, steel driveshaft weighed 16#, alum was 13#. Zero performance improvement.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

Maybe 1/2 a tenth max in my car , steel is more durable , if something rubs on aluminum it's gonna break.---Trevor

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

I've had both Indy car, saw nothing.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

No performance difference between the two seems reasonable considering the rotating radius is very small.

This seems to me a good part to slightly lower cost of a build up without any downside in performance.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

Its a function of rate of acceleration and rpm.


If you spin your stuff to 9-10,000 rpm aluminum or carbon might be for you, but you must have the total package to see any measurable gains, lightweight clutch, flywheel, axles, spool, ect....anything that spins.


If you have a 5 or 6' long shaft, aluminum or carbon might be for you.


BUT.....with that being said, if you have a converter full of fluid that spins (like what's in a mini van) save ur money, as there is too much slippin'/slidin' and torque multiplication and weight going around to make most lightweight driveline components worthless.


I would have Carbon in mine if the rules allowed it:D

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

I've had both steel and aluminum in my car also, with no noticeable improvement. An aluminum driveshaft looks cool, but I think it's one of those things that in theory makes a lot of sense, but in practice really doesn't make any difference.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

There have been several heated threads on yellow bullet; if there is any consensus, it is that the e.t. improvement is slight. I think the bigger point is the critical speed of the shaft, which is a function of length, diameter, and material.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

Same issue with lightweight rearend parts, gundrilled axles, alum spool, lightened ring gear, no noticable improvement. On the other hand, lighter weight flywheel and clutch made a huge difference. In my case, this is a 4 cyl motor that crosses the finish line at 9200.

Re: steel or aluminum driveshaft?
 

Some good reading on the subject:

http://www.dragzine.com/tech-stories...for-your-ride/

http://markwilliams.com/driveshafttech.aspx