I was wondering if the Ls1 drive shaft is worth getting for around $200.00 I wasw thinking of spending this much for one or should i spend another hundred and fifty or so and buy an aftermarket? I only have a fast pretty much stock engine (no internal mods for a while) HOw good are these drive shafts? Thanks

 

If you don't have vibration problems, don't bother. The aluminum ones are not as strong as the steel ones.

 

The primary reason to get an aluminum drive shaft is a lot of LT1 driveshafts had balancing problems. Many cars were vibrating between 70-80 MPH. If customers complained, GM fixed the problem under warranty by replacing the stock shaft with a 1LE driveshaft. The LS1 drive shaft is a good fix too.

The vibration will become more prononunced if you go to a lower gear ratio. It's definitely recommended if you go to aluminum if you switch gears.

E

 

Yes I have noticed a small (unbalance) feeling when I really get on the gas. Around 70-80 there aren't any vibration problems but I heard that the weight is a lot better with the aluminum so it is less wear and tear on the driveline and less rotating weight. I figured the aluminum would have better manufacturing processes so it would be all around better. I am only going to have a slightly modified engine so I heard that these can take up to 500 rwhp or somthing around there. I'm not even looking at that. What do you guys think. It is about twice the price for an aftermarket aluminum shaft.

 

I don't think aftermarket is the way to go. You can get a 1LE DS for a great price and they are supposed to be stronger than the LS1 DS.

I bought a used LS1 DS for well under $200 when I switched to my 3.73s. I haven't had any problems with it at all, but I'm not putting out massive amounts of HP.

If you are dead set on getting one, I'd just recommend a used LS1 shaft.

E