Lightweight Axles

[Jim Kaekel]

Has anybody actually seen any benefit switching to axles that have been gundrilled for weight reduction? I know in theory they should be quicker, be what about real world results that amount to a measurable amount of difference. Thank you in advance

[Harry 6674]

I didn't actually see a change but you have to believe all the little reductions add up. So does the cost. Is it worth it? If you want to be all you can be I guess it is. Thats what the army says.

[FED 387]

Think of it this way for every pound you lighten on a rotating mass the engine sees it as a 4 times reduction --the further out rom the center of rotation it can multiply even more---so if you take out 2 pounds of axle the resistance that the engine has to overcome is approx. 8 pounds plus the car actually weighs less also--Comp 387

[GTX JOHN]

I have never noticed an quantifiable difference.....quit putting them in any of our cars about 5 years ago......not saying there is not something there just have a lot of other places to throw money at for us!

[John Mason]

Several years ago I put the whole lightweight rear package in my 3600 lb. A/SA Camaro. Aluminum spool, lightened ring and pinion, rifle drilled axles with all extra metal removed from the flanges, titanium studs, etc. Took 24 lbs of rotating weight out, put 24 lbs in the box.
Total improvement was ----------------------- nothing!!!!!!!
Nothing in 60', 330' or anywhere else.
Might be some help in a lightweight car with a low torque engine, I don't know, but no one I have talked to ever said they picked up anything except a lighter wallet.

[Signman]

Originally Posted by John Mason

Several years ago I put the whole lightweight rear package in my 3600 lb. A/SA Camaro. Aluminum spool, lightened ring and pinion, rifle drilled axles with all extra metal removed from the flanges, titanium studs, etc. Took 24 lbs of rotating weight out, put 24 lbs in the box.
Total improvement was ----------------------- nothing!!!!!!!
Nothing in 60', 330' or anywhere else.
Might be some help in a lightweight car with a low torque engine, I don't know, but no one I have talked to ever said they picked up anything except a lighter wallet.

That being said, reducing unsprung weight had to help suspension. With shocks and springs seeing that much less weight to help them work better in keeping the tire planted. May not show up on the ET Slip as HP to the wheels is increased only very slightly but car may have an easier time getting down a marginal track which could show up in win lights.