Carbon Fiber Drive Shafts

[J-Groove]

I know it has been asked on 3Si, and heck I could do a search, but I figure we should build the content here.

I know for drag racing, the lighter rotating mass of a carbon fiber drive shaft is probably a must.

But for me, being that I want to build a fun clean reliable '99 VR-4 (not going to drag race her, she will be on collector's insurance soon and that is a HUGE no no for them) I'll build her to 13T, maybe bump it up to 19T in the future but I'll be staying TD04.

Is a carbon fiber drive shaft worth the expense on a car that will not see the drag strip or anything beyond the non competitive track day?

-John

[Vantage]

In since I've been wondering the same thing myself.

[i3igpete]

i would say no, unless you're a drifter and need the lighter drivetrain inertia to break the tires loose easier. otherwise since your tires don't slip and the CFDS is a long slender tube (not much rotational inertia to be saved), you're better off spending the money otherwise. yes, i do own one but i'm pretty much near the end of easy weight savings.

[Atrosity]

Is it even worth it if your car is putting down a decent amount of power?

[pos-vr4]

I have 2 3s at the shop now, one has ACPT 2pc, the other is ACPT 1 pc, i have put a few hours driving on both cars and I think they are a great upgrade.

Id recommend a drive shaft VS a light weight flywheel.

The 2 pc car had the original rear metal shaft, and i replaced the rear carrier bearing last week, now the car is as smooth as butter.

For me simplicity is king, so removing carrier bearings is a great thing to do. And saving some weight is a plus as well.

if the rest of the car is cherry, do it.

[Polygon]

No, but I would say an aluminum 2 PC DS is worth it. They're a lot cheaper and only a tiny bit heavier.

[UTRacerX9]

I have 2 3s at the shop now, one has ACPT 2pc, the other is ACPT 1 pc, i have put a few hours driving on both cars and I think they are a great upgrade.

Id recommend a drive shaft VS a light weight flywheel.

The 2 pc car had the original rear metal shaft, and i replaced the rear carrier bearing last week, now the car is as smooth as butter.

For me simplicity is king, so removing carrier bearings is a great thing to do. And saving some weight is a plus as well.

if the rest of the car is cherry, do it.

Ditto, I have the PST 1 piece. It's extremely lightweight compared to stock, and it makes it a LOT easier to break the tires loose, which is actually a good thing, as it saves your clutch, tranny, and TC from abuse.

There is one kinda bad thing I'll mention, but possibly this is just in my case. No, I'm not talking about the vibration issues that some people have had. I'm talking about the on/off switch my car has become. I have a lightweight flywheel, wheels, hood, CFDS, underdrive pulley, various weight reduction, 13T's and supporting mods. When driving, I am either accelerating or decelerating. It is extremely quick to change from either, so cruising is not as "smooth" as it used to be, the car behaves more like a racecar in that aspect now. It's still a very fun car to drive, but you just don't find yourself cruising at one speed very long.

EDIT: I see you're in Rowlett now. I won't be able to make the Texas gathering coming up, but I've moved back to TX and as soon as everything is settled, we can have another meet and I'll give you a ride in my car and you can see how it feels vs stock.

[J-Groove]

Great feedback in this thread!

If anything it seems more like a down the road type of thing if I ever do it.

No, but I would say an aluminum 2 PC DS is worth it. They're a lot cheaper and only a tiny bit heavier.

I was wondering if that was an option. I just jumped on IPS and only saw carbon fiber ones, I've never looked into them since I was FWD.

Since weight isn't a HUGE thing a aluminum one would be a great bet.

EDIT: I see you're in Rowlett now. I won't be able to make the Texas gathering coming up, but I've moved back to TX and as soon as everything is settled, we can have another meet and I'll give you a ride in my car and you can see how it feels vs stock.

That would be awesome! Welcome back to Texas, what area are you at?

-John

[UTRacerX9]

Plano.

[J-Groove]

Well you're real close then. I will defiantly have to take you up on your offer.

Your Stealth has always been one of my favorite cars. You need to bring her out to the next Cars and Coffee.

-John