Here is the story...

After doing some research, I decided to install an LS1 Aluminum driveshaft.
Had it installed for me. On the drive home decided that the old shaft was a little smoother and my BUTT dyno said not as quick.

Pull out the old shaft and it seems lite for steel. I check the part number (#1085375) Its a JG-1 aluminum. GM!!

I have a copy of the orginal invoice and it says nothing about 1LE or WS6.

My mechanic over the years has told me its the quikest stock third gen he ever drove. I figured he was just being polite.

Is there some kind of secret upgrade gm did on some cars or did the guy in Van Nuys pull the wrong driveshaft from the parts bin.

When I get the time, going to reinstall the drive shaft with new U-Joints.

Thanks for any impute,

 

That you didn't verify what you had in the first place (no rust on alum)....

JamesC

 

hmmm....Car in north Kansas has rust, car in California dosn't. What are the odds.

 

I think he is saying that you should have been able to tell if it was aluminum because aluminum dont rust. so if its rusted its not aluminum but steel. dont go bashin kansas either.

Edit: a LS1 shaft should be heavier considering that they have somewheres around like 350hp STOCK and the most powerfull stock thirdgen i am aware of had less than 250hp. could be some that came with more but nowheres near 300

 

Nothing against Kansas, rust just is not that common here. It's nice driving the car year round.

 

HP has nothing to do with it. TQ does. IIRC, 345 ft/lbs of the L98 is higher than the LS1.

 

I also have that same aluminum driveshaft. It also is a 1988 Trans AM 350 TPI. Not sure what option was chosen to get this driveshaft, but I got all the performance options available when purchasing this car new. I just realized this last year on a complete drivetrain teardown and rebuild. At first it was hard to tell because of the dirt build up, but felt light when removed. After cleaning there was do doubt it is aluminum, no rust and the rolled penny welds. I have had comments on how fast this car is for a third gen too, maybe just pure luck gm made the Trans Am identical to the corvette except the heads.