Aluminum or Steel driveshaft??

[skeeters65]

What are you guys using with your LS1, T56 first generation Camaros??

I ahve the stock aluminum driveshaft out of the donor 2002 Camaro.. Can it be shortened or should I have a new steel one built?

What HP will the aluminum handle?

Thanks

[Mike Holleman]

I'm building an LS2/T56 powered 65 El Camino. The Ls2 will have an extra 100 plus HP. Denny's built my driveshaft. 3.5 inch aluminum. I have used his shafts on several builds without any failures. He guarantees them for life against weld or tube failure. He will use steel or aluminum. I tell him what I have and how it will be used and accept his judgement as to what I need.
Mike Holleman

[redhead]

I don't first hand experience with the fitment but I have considered
this for my first gen also.
since the alum shaft requires extra girth (its fat) for strength I see
spacing running out in the tunnel if you are running large dual
pipes.
da.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Im pretty sure the 4th gen driveshaft is too short (i think or i measured wrong). I'm having my stocker cut and rewelded for now and i'll be having dennys do a steel driveshaft for me. I dont see saving 20lbs or so justifiable for double the cost.

[HotRod68Camaro]

I have a Denny's 3" steel nitrous ready driveshaft. Unless you are doing some 8s passes a 3.5" aluminum one should be fine if its built right (i wouldn't trust a stock one). Here is a thread from LS1Tech on the subject.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=622609&highlight=driveshaft

[Shawn MacAnanny]

How much was your dennys driveshaft?

[cheapthrillz]

Im pretty sure the 4th gen driveshaft is too short (i think or i measured wrong). I'm having my stocker cut and rewelded for now and i'll be having dennys do a steel driveshaft for me. I dont see saving 20lbs or so justifiable for double the cost.

You also have to remember that the extra money spent is going towards more hp and tq to the wheels at lower RPMs and launches. A lighter driveshaft (wheels, axles, etc) will improve your driveline efficiency. Just a thought. It might be twice the cost but it is sheding pounds and increasing hp and tq to the wheels...

[nicks67camaro]

I see your in CT If you decide to have one built one I've had 2 built by Levine's automotive in danbury good price and and never had an issue.

[skeeters65]

Nick,
What did they charge for an aluminum shaft??

[nicks67camaro]

the first service I have a 3 inch dia. (steel) drive shaft made for around $260 (its been a while). The second service (recently) I had was to have the drive shaft shortened for $65. My friend was trying to do some really creative stuff with his drive shaft (new 350z motor/tranny in a 91 240) and they were willing to listen and offer a solution for him. Give them a call and feel them out.

[HotRod68Camaro]

How much was your dennys driveshaft?

I can't recall and i don't have my reciepts handy.

[jasonsnova]

dido on the dennys great company! i had a nitrous ready built for my nova, it wasnt that much ....$300..something i think, but it is lifetime warrenty, and last year i switched from a th350 to a t56 speed and they shortened it for free and had a super fast turn arond time. also the nitrous ready shaft really isnt heavy it was about the same as my stock one...

[monza]

There is always carbon as a option....

[trapin]

I had a new steel one made at DTS for around $250. Money well spent to just have a new one made.

[skeeters65]

There is always carbon as a option....

What does that thing weigh and what did you pay for it??

[John McIntire]

another vote here for denny's. I have a HD aluminum driveshaft from them. It worked fine behind a 500HP SBC. I have yet to try it behind the 572 yet. I sent it back thinking it needed to be shortened for the new BBC, TKO600 setup, but it actually was about 3/8 inch short. All he wound up doing was changing out the yoke for me to fit the trans. He said I should be alright with it and I might notice a slight vibration on deceleration, but then again with a 572, solid motormounts and 3" exhaust I probably won't even notice.
Great company, and excellent turnaround!

[HILROD]

I had a 3 inch aluminum driveshaft on my Camaro till I took it to the track. The third or forth run, it was on the track. Now it has a steel Denny's shaft.:hammer: