Aluminum driveshaft,Where to buy?

[salvageV6]

Otto was that a 3.5" MMX alum. material shaft for that price?

I bought 2 a few years ago and they were about $100 more for the MMX material in the 3.5" size.

Just wondering...

 

[murphster]

I recently read in GM High Tech Performance that because of it narrow diameter, any weight reduction associated with the driveshaft is considered to the same as any non-rotating weight reduction.

This is what I figured from some quick calculations previously. The main gains from rotating mass is for larger diameter pieces, like rims or flywheels. I think I calculated less than 1hp difference going to an AL driveshaft. You gain about 6 lbs or so in overall weight reduction though.

More specifically, the savings will be proportional to the (mass) x (radius squared). The mass difference is 6 lbs or so, but the radius is so small that overall the savings is very small.

For a comparison, look at going from a 26" tire to a 28" tire. Assuming the same weight for 26" and 28" tires (the 28s are probably a couple pounds heavier though) at 32 lbs (MT ET radials are 32lbs, slicks are 24lbs or so).

relative savings:
Savings from 28 to 26: 32lbs*14in*14in - 32lbs*13in*13in = 864lb*in*in
Savings from 3" steel to 3" AL driveshaft: 12lbs*1.5in*1.5in - 6lbs*1.5in*1.5in = 13.5lb*in*in

There is 64 times the savings in reciprocating weight energy saved from going to 26" from 28" MT ET radials as there would be going to an AL driveshaft from a steel driveshaft. Just something to think about before paying extra $ for an AL driveshaft. Better to go to as small a tire as you can or spend the money on other things.

 

[Clark6]

Did it come with the u-joints and new yolk or did you add that yourself?

Yes came with everything you see on pic just puter in.
i think my steel was $395 shipped i wish i couldve gotten a deal like otto on the aluminum.

 

[Louie L.]

Ive never gained anything going from Steel to alum. In both Buicks or Mustangs. Just my .02

Just ordered a 3.5 Chro Mo unit from PST for the V8 GN. Nice people on the phone, broke down all my options and choices. Ordered Friday, will be here on Wed.

PST offers a 4in Alum driveshaft that will hold anything a V6 Buick can throw at it, even in Stage form.

 

[Clark6]

Yes came with everything you see on pic just puter in.
i think my steel was $395 shipped i wish i couldve gotten a deal like otto on the aluminum.

My mistake i looked at my invoice from Dynotech the receipt for the 3.5 Dom STeel 51.25 c/l to c/l stock length was $318 shipped, i feel a little better now.