1.) How much does an aluminum driveshaft weigh? 2.) Do I have to replace anything in the swap? 3.)Will probably be buying one used online (sight unseen), is there anything to be concerned about? 4.) Will I notice any change in my cars performance?

Thanx

 

Well I'm don't know exactly how much it weighs except that it is obviously lighter. They have the same size yolks and u-joints so you wont have to change anything it will bolt right up. The gains you will be that you have less rotating mass so you will get maybe 1-3 rear wheel horsepower and that it is more stable at higher speeds since GM had a closer tolerances with the aluminium compared to the steel so you might get rid of some unwanted vibrations. But since it is aluminium it is weaker than steel so if you do racing I wouldn't recommend it. You can have a steel one make to be just as stable at a driveshaft place or even get your old one balenced better there for less money. To me the steel can be just as good and the 1-3 HP gain is not worth the money

 

The wieght was 6 pounds lighter on my 92Z.

As far as the steel shaft being stronger, not exactly. Between diameter, wall thickness excetera, the 1LE aluminum shaft was suppossed to be about 15-20% stronger. They can take the abuse, that's why they became part of the 1LE & B4C packages.

The aluminum shaft tolereances were the same as the steel shaft. What made the difference in vibration characteristics were the propoetries of aluminum that allowed a lighter shaft with a higher "critical speed" meaning the vibrations are still there, but they have been reduced in frequency/severity and have been shifted to a higher speed.

Things to look out for in a used shaft: THe slip yoke at the forward end of the shaft that goes into the tranny tailshaft should be a smooth machined surface. THat's where the tailstock seal rides on. By the way, replace the seal at the same time as the shaft. It's only a couple of dollars.

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KevinP92Z
92 Z28 383 SLP cam,SLP headers,SLP 2ontheLeft,Trick Flow TW heads & pistons,Edelbrock base,Accel SuperRam,52mmTB,Scat Crank & forged ConnRods,MSD 6AL,SLP convertor,Baer 13/12" Track,Moser axles,Hotchkis,Genuine GM 3.42s,SLP HD Torsen,17x9" chrome SS rims
96T/A w/SLP Ram Air,SLP 2ontheLeft, Bilsteins, Baer, Hotchkis, Genuine GM, Torsen
76 4X4 Blazer 400TPI project

[This message has been edited by KevinP92Z (edited December 01, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by KevinP92Z (edited December 01, 2000).]