I was just wondering about the different types of driveshafts out there and wondering what the difference is between them. I mean i see aluminum, stock, and carbon fiber. Is it having to deal with long wear or is it a light weight item that helps when modding a car?? Just courious

 

Well anything that you can reduce weight in, and is spinning will ALWAYS give you more power. Then agian, some people say reducing weight on spinning items like flywheel, driveshaft, etc.. will actualty be bette for street racing but will hurt you in the 1/4 becuse of the spinning force and momentum. I would say, stay with stock, unless its warped or broke, then i say get the aluminum one. Carbon Fiber is to much money, and i dont think personaly it will last as long as a metal one.

 

The aluminum ones do save some weight, but it's at the expense of strength. There are a few posts on the board with pic's of twisted up ones.. Personally - I wouldn't install an aluminum DS on purpose.

Carbon fiber - same thing, light weight, frees up a couple of ponies. They don't do well against flying rocks, nuts, bolts, etc, you find on many roads though. Generally, they're pretty strong but obnoxiously expensive.

The steel ones are definitely stronger than aluminum, but they don't free up the 3 or 5 hp (or whatever the number is, I've never seen a dyno comparison) the aluminum/carbon fiber ones do. A custom made steel one can be had for less than $300 from Denny's, for example. IMO, these are probably the best compromise of strength, cost, and piece of mind.

 

You can find deals out ther however. I got a Carbon Fiber DS off of here for $425. That's about 50% of the going price. Only problem is that I have to get a moser 12 bolt with a 1350 yoke. bummer.