Just saw this thread.....few points I like to make.
For a fairly stock turbo regal an aluminum driveshaft has no down sides....not only will it not rust but most companies balance them far superior to what GM did orignally. example, the one we carry and G Body offers are balanced within the weight of a single postage stamp.
As it has been noted your stock driveshaft is just under 3 inches in diameter. Undoubtedly it has held up quite well for 25 plus years alhtough rusty now in appearance. Most if not all companies will only make a aluminum dirveshaft that is 3 1/2 inches in diameter from what I understand. So basically it is a 1/2 wider or 1/4 all around. A direct bolt in. No clearance issues except possibly with some aftermarket driveshaft loops are a badly installed Y pipe!
Most including our source uses alcoa 6061 aluminum grade material. The u joints on ours is #1330 Spicer series. The company we use is USA MADE and been making driveshafts since 1982. In al that time they never ever had one break. Their big market is Mustangs and have supported 1,000 hp with this combination. However, to be safe in our applications 700 to 750 hp this set up will handle providing the angle between your transmission and rear does not cause the joints to bind. In other words fairly straight distance.
Another plus is you save about 3 lbs in weight. Even ATR back in the day sold aluminum driveshafts. Not big sellers way back when as the cars were fairly new. Now its a nice upgrade in not only weight savings but in appearance.
The ones we sell are a direct bolt in. Nothing else to buy. Our part number is #7415. As to the post that said he developed a slight whine its unlikely it came from the driveshaft. Unless something is binding, or rubbing a exhaust pipe or driveshaft loop, it could be transferring a gear noise from the rear. With the new aluminum shafts balanced to closer specs than what GM did it may be transferring the whine from the rear end gears.
Again I am guessing of course. Aluminum driveshafts is nothing new. Several choices exist for aluminum driveshafts as a turbo owner I would hope you would choose one that supports the Turbo Buick community.
So in quick review the aluminum driveshaft we market will support 700-750 hp its 100% complete saves 3 lbs, made in the USA, looks better, (won't rust) and balanced within the weight of a postage stamp. Those of you that have a scale that can pinpoint the weight of a postage stamp will be able to determine that its pretty darn good. Plus the welds are far superior to what GM did originally.
I just had one installed in my turbo-t. Anytime you can shed weight is a good thing. Ask any new Camaro owner!
denniskirban@yahoo.com
