[GreenPlease]

Found these guys: http://www.pstds.com/carbonfiber.htm

In some applications CF drive shafts reduce rotating mass by as much as 30lbs. If I recall, the last Z used a CF drive shaft.

[Zeph]

Yep the 350z uses a CF reinforced driveshaft. Super strong, I have never heard of anyone breaking it and I had friends putting down 620 RWHP on upgraded engine components and TT.

Just another way to put down more power to the wheels, just like a Crankshaft Pully, Lightened Flywheel, lighter rear wheels/rotors, etc. Way more effective to lose weight on anything that spins

I think our driveshaft must be fairly light though, I have heard the 6MT only loses about 11-12% to the wheels which is rediculously low.

[BavarianBullet]

Originally Posted by GreenPlease

Found these guys: http://www.pstds.com/carbonfiber.htm

In some applications CF drive shafts reduce rotating mass by as much as 30lbs. If I recall, the last Z used a CF drive shaft.

You'd definitely save some weight although I doubt the stock driveshaft even weighs 30lbs end to end. I'd guess maybe ~10lbs?

It seems like pstds is primarily pushing the strength aspect of their CF DS for high-HP applications. The "HP gain" you'd get from a lighter driveshaft would only really come into play as the car was accelerating and it would probably be pretty small outside of 1st gear similar to lightweight rotating parts (flywheel, crank pulley etc).

Looking at the prices for the 3000GT and other imports on their page, my guess is once you said "BMW", a price quote would probably come back north of $1000.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by BavarianBullet

You'd definitely save some weight although I doubt the stock driveshaft even weighs 30lbs end to end. I'd guess maybe ~10lbs?

The stock drive-shaft is far more than 30 lbs in weight.

A carbon shaft will help reduce parasitic loss, but it will also reduce torque (to an extent of course)

A loop would be a good idea too just as a safety precaution.

[ar design]

From pulling the trans, I played with the driveshaft a bit - didnt feel super heavy, but I could be wrong.

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by Malekreza11

The stock drive-shaft is far more than 30 lbs in weight.

A carbon shaft will help reduce parasitic loss, but it will also reduce torque (to an extent of course)

A loop would be a good idea too just as a safety precaution.

Why use a loop with a CF shaft? If it breaks it will effectively disintegrate as it hits the pan+pavement unlike those made of steel or Al.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

Why use a loop with a CF shaft? If it breaks it will effectively disintegrate as it hits the pan+pavement unlike those made of steel or Al.

That's true, but to an extent. The loop would minimize it from hitting the ground or body if it does break away from the joint or etc.

Yes a loop is better suited for Aluminum or Steel shafts, but for a high horse power car and a CF shaft, a loop should still be used for safety.

Its a very small price to pay and not a difficult thing to fabricate for added safety.

[marcel b]

the standard shaft is only 21.605lbs
link

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by Malekreza11

That's true, but to an extent. The loop would minimize it from hitting the ground or body if it does break away from the joint or etc.

If it breaks, CF or not, its going to cause a mess. The whole point of a loop is to minimize penetration into the cabin and/or prevent a sudden de-acceleration if it digs into the ground. A CF shaft will do neither as it will disintegrate on failure.

Originally Posted by Malekreza11

Yes a loop is better suited for Aluminum or Steel shafts, but for a high horse power car and a CF shaft, a loop should still be used for safety.

Under most existing sanctioned racing a loop is required only because CF is not (yet) the norm.

Its a very small price to pay and not a difficult thing to fabricate for added safety.

I agree on these points but with CF it really is a waste of time.

[stealth-twntrbo]

I had a PST CF drive shaft on my stealth TT, and it was great and super strong and smooth, the stock drive shaft was super heavy. PST makes a great shaft I know that.

[JayKay335i]

They look good. But we dont have a need for them untill were hitting 600+ HP at the wheels. Maybe once the turbo upgrades and tuning is done for them.

[ar design]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

They look good. But we dont have a need for them untill were hitting 600+ HP at the wheels. Maybe once the turbo upgrades and tuning is done for them.

Where are you getting that number from?

[BigDonkeySchlong]

Originally Posted by marcel b

the standard shaft is only 21.605lbs
link

That sounds about right, and this one is probably like 10 lbs right?


10 lbs off the driveshaft is worth something

[shifterboy45]

remember the driveshaft is an assembly -- 2 piece with a center support

sooner or later IT WILL be the weak link in transmitting huge amounts of torque to the rear wheels ..

dont know if that 600hp number is substantiated .. but youll know your there when you shred the flex coupling or snap a yoke

[GreenPlease]

Seems like this would be the sort of thing you'd do a group buy with a rear LSD

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by ar design

Where are you getting that number from?

Pure speculation.

[marconi118]

any company in US UK or europe that could build a custom CF shaft to match the M3 LSD to my 335i gearbox?

[Craig@SupremePower]

hmm

[Proper Motion LLC]

Originally Posted by GreenPlease

Found these guys: http://www.pstds.com/carbonfiber.htm

In some applications CF drive shafts reduce rotating mass by as much as 30lbs. If I recall, the last Z used a CF drive shaft.

Take a 2 hour road trip and talk to them

[stressdoc]

Might be a good solution for those swapping final drives to M3 pumpkins (because that requires shortening the driveshaft a bit).

[GreenPlease]

Take a 2 hour road trip and talk to them

I didn't catch that they were so close. I might just do that

[bbbwrx]

Anything ever come from this? I have seen good things from PST in the Subaru world.