Which would be stronger, the 1LE ds or the LT4 ds and would both be good for about 350-360 rwhp and launches, since thats around where my future plans would put me.

 

Are you talking about LS1 driveshaft? For you hp range either an 1LE or a LS1 driveshaft should be good enough. Remember a steel driveshaft is stronger.

 

Well there is an LT4 driveshaft also, and so a 1LE would be plenty strong for launching when I'm putting down 350?

 

There is?????

 

Well GMHTP did an article where they mentioned it by a diff part # than an LT1 ds, and said if you need a new one conisder it, instead of stock.

 

So is the 1LE stronger than the stock LS1 driveshaft???

 

Yes, thats the word on the streets.

I wouldn't be too worried about 360 hp on an ls1 shaft, but would probably pay the extra money for the 1LE. The real question is what kind of 60's are you gonna pull, drag radials, or full slicks? I thought i bought a 1LE but later found out its an ls1 shaft, so be carefull if you get one used.

never heard of an lt4 shaft here either.

-brent

 

Well, Usually dr's but occasionally ET streets. I'm planning on strengthing the stock rear with 28 spline Moser axles and a differntial cover with preload bolts.

 

Yes, there was a specific LT4 driveshaft. It was a beefed up steel unit that was balanced. SLP now sells an improved version of this shaft:
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...RTNUMBER=64273

I'm actually looking at upgrading to this unit as even with the stock LT4 driveshaft their is still some slight vibration around 80MPH. I would definitely upgrade to this unit instead of the LS1 driveshaft if you are looking for more strength. Heck the stock LT1 driveshaft should actually be stronger than the LS1 unit, but it will have vibration problems.

 

I have huge vibrations after 80, will a 1LE DS solve this? and at what point will it begin to vibrate?

-Dustin-

 

Yes, the 1LE, LS1, LT4 driveshaft or balancing your stock unit should all solve this. The problem is that the stock LT1 driveshaft were not properly balanced from the factory.

 

Thanks, well I am going to pick up a 1LE tomorrow, so I was just making sure it would solve it completely. Does the 1LE ever vibrate, like at 100 or something? I hear alot about critical speeds and stuff like that, will this thing hold fine?

Also do I need new yokes or universals?

-Dustin-

 

if you got the $$$ a carbon fiber ds would be sweet!

From Thunderracing.com:

Independent testing by a leading automotive magazine (Turbo, October, 1996) showed rear wheel horsepower gains of more than 5% with the simple switch to an ACPT carbon fiber driveshaft. This significant increase is primarily due to lower rotational mass of the driveshaft. Carbon fiber offers you more strength to resist extreme torque than steel with about half the weight. Just like the common use of lightweight clutch and flywheel units, a lightweight driveshaft allows more of you engine's power to be applied to the ground.

Carbon fiber's unique vibration dampening characteristics also help improve power output. Engine builder's are familiar with the power gains that high performance crank dampeners can provide. ACPT's carbon fiber driveshafts give you similar benefits by cutting power losses due to drivetrain vibration.

In addition to performance advantages, ACPT carbon fiber driveshafts provide a special measure of extra safety. Despite safety hardware like shaft hoops and covers, a broken metal driveshaft can become a flailing bludgeon that beats up everything in its' path; severe injuries to the driver, extreme damage to the car, and even vaulting the car into the air can be the result. Carbon fiber minimizes these dire consequences.
Carbon Fiber driveshafts are built for strength primarily to transfer torque and can be broken with a hard blow from the side. The result is that when a u-joint or yoke fails the carbon fiber composite begins to disintegrate when it contacts the chassis. As the composite comes apart, the shaft simply turns into a bunch of loose carbon fibers. much like the end of a broom . In fact, in composite technology this failsafe state is called "brooming". Instead of tearing up the driver and shredding the chassis, the carbon fiber broom will probably just polish dirt and paint off the chassis.

 

IMO there is no need to spend that much money on a driveshaft.

 

Agreed, I think $150 for a used 1LE will work. If not $300 for a LPE one is the most I would spend.

-Dustin-