LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

aluminum driveshaft?

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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 01:25 PM
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Default aluminum driveshaft?

hey guys, just been reading that a lot of you guys are putting aluminum driveshafts on your lt1 cars. however, it seems like most of you that do go to the strip a lot. my question is, is it a worthwhile investment for a weekend cruiser? i'm trying to make the ride as smooth as possible so any ideas on suspension setups for a delightful ride are welcome as well, haha. thanks!
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 01:30 PM
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People put the LS1 driveshaft in their car simply because its a smoother ride at higer speed (80-120). Doing this would be worthwhile, its a noticeable difference.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 01:34 PM
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Yes, getting rid of the "vibeshaft" for an LS1 aluminum piece definitely is a worthwile change.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 01:36 PM
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In 98 I was told (by a Pontiac mechanic) that if a 97 (LT-1) had a vibration problem to put a 98 (aluminum) driveshaft on the car to fix the problem.
I run a Strange chromoly driveshaft, which has no vibration issues. And I have had the car up to almost 150 mph (once, it was scary so I let off).
Personally, if you have to buy a driveshaft, I would go aftermarket rather than a factory aluminum driveshaft. JMHO.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 02:27 PM
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cool, sounds good! guess i'm in the market for an aluminum driveshaft, haha. any other ideas on smoothing out the ride?
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
In 98 I was told (by a Pontiac mechanic) that if a 97 (LT-1) had a vibration problem to put a 98 (aluminum) driveshaft on the car to fix the problem.
I run a Strange chromoly driveshaft, which has no vibration issues. And I have had the car up to almost 150 mph (once, it was scary so I let off).
Personally, if you have to buy a driveshaft, I would go aftermarket rather than a factory aluminum driveshaft. JMHO.
well if you compare the price differences then you might understand why some people go with the aluminum LS1 shaft.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by koolaid_kid
In 98 I was told (by a Pontiac mechanic) that if a 97 (LT-1) had a vibration problem to put a 98 (aluminum) driveshaft on the car to fix the problem.
I run a Strange chromoly driveshaft, which has no vibration issues. And I have had the car up to almost 150 mph (once, it was scary so I let off).
Personally, if you have to buy a driveshaft, I would go aftermarket rather than a factory aluminum driveshaft. JMHO.
No matter how many times I had my stock shaft on my 97 lt1 balanced it would vibrate like a mad man just below 80mph and would steadily become worse as speed increased. The stocker took out 2 universals while it was in. Went to ls1 driveshaft and never looked back. Much better design. Wouldn't pay more than 125 for one though. After market is great if you have 250 plus to spend.

Ps if you are looking to make the ride smoother I highly recommend not lowering the car, i had the eibach kit in for about 3 days before I was compelled to remove and sell it. Looked badass made the ride crapass
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 02:45 PM
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I also did the swap and am completely happy i did it. I found mine for $75 locally. One of the most noticable things for the better Ive ever done.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 04:53 PM
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My dad switched to a alum drive shaft and lost time on the 60ft he with the cromoly somthing not sure
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 04:58 PM
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not sure what that meant, but this is what I think you said, Your Dad switched from a stock alum ls1 DS to a cromoly DS and went slower? Or Did he go fastester with the cromoly?
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 05:21 PM
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Two changes I made that made a SIGNIFICANT difference were the LS1 driveshaft and KYB AGX shocks. Both made the car much smoother and drivable. If you're patient, you can find a DS for less than $100 - which is a better investment than many other mods.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by AChotrod
not sure what that meant, but this is what I think you said, Your Dad switched from a stock alum ls1 DS to a cromoly DS and went slower? Or Did he go fastester with the cromoly?
my bad he went slower with the alum d/s so he switch to the cromoly
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:00 PM
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Aluminum shaft swaps are quick and easy.
It will reduce parasitic hp loss in the drive train and reduce vibrations at higher RPM.

I've done these on dozens of cars for people over the years.
It's a bigger deal for the 3.4 crowd because they had a big heavy 2-pc steel shaft.

Guys running 11sec or better tend to trade those in on chromeoly or beefier aftermarket aluminum shafts.
Even the 3" LS1 shafts tend to shred under 1.5 launches LOL

Expect to pay $75-125 for one (used)
They pop up on ebay and in the classifieds a lot.

All 82-02 shafts (auto or manual, v6 or v8) are interchangeable.


And remember to install a new Ujoint as part of the project, it's cheap insurance.

Last edited by James Montigny; Sep 2, 2008 at 07:24 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:18 PM
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I agree on all the above. Since my goal has been 11s (or better) I went aftermarket. The stock unit is questionable at that level. Best of luck.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by alabamapimpin
my bad he went slower with the alum d/s so he switch to the cromoly
How can it make the car any slower??? It reduces the rotating weight by alot, putting more power to the wheels and does the same exact job as the heavy steel DS? Doesnt make sense?
Shreading one I can see, going slower I cant.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:45 PM
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cool, thanks guys! i'm not in any hurry to do it but it sounds like that's going to be the next thing i pick up for my car! i can't give up on the lowering springs, haha. i love how it looks too much to raise her back up
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by AChotrod
How can it make the car any slower??? It reduces the rotating weight by alot, putting more power to the wheels and does the same exact job as the heavy steel DS? Doesnt make sense?
Shreading one I can see, going slower I cant.
because of it twisting with alot of TQ slows the 60ft time down he went from running a 1.51 60ft to like a 1.6 just by changing the d/s
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Low 1.6s all day on 4.10s and slicks...still holding up!!

The good thing is if you do break one...they are cheap to replace Ive got a backup in the corner of the garage just waiting

Originally Posted by alabamapimpin
because of it twisting with alot of TQ slows the 60ft time down he went from running a 1.51 60ft to like a 1.6 just by changing the d/s
^^Thats an interesting point!
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:57 PM
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Hmm.... He's gotta be making power then I dont see that happening and If hes pullin 1.5s he should have a cromo just for safety.
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Stroked96Bowtie
Low 1.6s all day on 4.10s and slicks...still holding up!!

The good thing is if you do break one...they are cheap to replace Ive got a backup in the corner of the garage just waiting
I hope you have safey loops.
When they break (U joint, middle or yoke) they beat the **** out of the tunnel, exhaust and torque arm.
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