Is the aluminum driveshaft from an LS1 worth the cost?? Other then weight, whats the other, if any, advantages?

 

they are stronger than the stock steel one. they weigh less so less rotational mass means a few more ponies make it to the rear wheels. Better balancing also means less vibration/noise at speed.

 

do you know what rwhp there rated to handle around?

 

The LS1 shafts are really only a decent upgrade if you are making mid-level power and have a vibration issue with the stock steel unit. Otherwise for the $150 it isn't really worth it. The power handling of the LS1 shaft is actually less than the stock steel unit.

If your stock steel one doesn't vibrate, don't mess with it, and I wouldn't bother changing it unless you are making some serious power, and then a LS1 shaft isn't what you need and it's time to upgrade to a Chromoly shaft like a Denny's NR shaft.

I personally run a Denny's NR shaft because my steel one vibrated badly, so did the LS1 shaft; even after they were both balanced. Denny's is a local place here, and I've spoken with him multiple times and bought multiple DSs off of him for different vehicles. The 4th gen F-body driveshafts are of poor design and have a very low critical frequency; the frequency where they vibrate no matter how balanced they are. The LS1 shaft is a little better, but nothing compared to a good aftermarket DS.

 

False information; as stated by 97FormulaWS-6 the stock steel shaft is stronger. The aluminum shaft isn't better balanced, aluminum changes the harmonic frequency point to a higher rpm (mph) thus you don't get the vibration at the 60 - 80 mph area like the steel shaft. The lighter mass will slightly reduce the rotational mass to help with acceleration.

 

if you want an LS1 shaft, go to your junk yard. I got mine for 35 bucks. The price people are charging here is rediculous. Its alot like the Corvette LT1 composite valve covers. Simply rediculous. Search around, I am sure you can find better deals OFF this site for most things. Just my experience!

 

I know this post is old but are you saying that getting a ls1 alum. DS balanced isn't going to help anything?

cause i am getting mine balanced friday.

thank you

 

Balance it; it can't hurt anything that's for sure. Just make sure they do a high-speed balance not just a 2K rpm balance.

It didn't work for me, but for MOST of people on this board the LS1 shaft fixed the vibration.