Aftermarket Driveshaft question

[Jeff_oddo]

At what point is it mandatory to upgrade the driveshaft on an A6 GT? My mods are below. I was thinking about an aluminum one, but just want to know if I absolutely need one. How many have actually broke one in an automatic? Thanks.

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[whatsup62]

Not sure I have heard of anyone breaking one period. I am a M6 and it was one of my best Mods besides FI. 17 lbs lighter on rotational mass - always a good thing.

 

[Jeff_oddo]

I guess I'll hold off for a while

 

[18psi]

Not sure I have heard of anyone breaking one period. I am a M6 and it was one of my best Mods besides FI. 17 lbs lighter on rotational mass - always a good thing.

I'm really curious about where you got that weight number, because I just got a DSS alum unit for my 15 a6 and it weighs in at right around 24-25lb with the spacers, while at least a handful of sources reported the stocker weighing 29-30 on the auto.

 

[wildcatgoal]

I spoke to a guy who drags with MT tires, stock halfs stock drive shaft, with his auto. Never an issue. Totally stock he gets better times than his modified and tuned 6MT car which had an CF driveshaft on it. He said changing the driveshaft on his auto is not top of mind at all until he gets FI.

 

[BMR Tech]

The M6 shafts are about 36lbs.

The autos are lighter, at about 29-30.

So the M6 cars will save more weight than the autos when swapping to the aluminum pieces.

 

[18psi]

That sounds accurate, thank you. I'm really curious as to what makes it lighter in the auto car, is it thinner or physically smaller resulting in the lower weight?

As for strength: I'm sure the auto's really don't have as much of a problem breaking drivetrain parts due to much less shock loading
As for performance: of course an auto car will usually be quicker/more consistent than m6, pointless to compare the two.

I think the real question here is: at only 5lb weight savings, how much of a performance improvement are the ALUM shafts really on an auto car? (sorry for slight thread derail, OP)

 

[BMR Tech]

I don't think the performance gain on an auto car is much....BUT, it depends. If you are one of those, like myself, who live by "every little bit matters" - then they are a great choice.

On that note, when I did my Shaftmasters DS on my auto car, I saved 10lbs.... So that to me, was worth it. I also planned on going very fast with the car, and I have/do. I dont think the stock DS would like 1.2 sixties and 8's@over150mph in the 1/4. There have been a few people with fast S550's who have broken the OEM DS.

As for the M6, I have a Shaftmasters DS on order for it...and I am looking forward to the 15+lb weight savings. ;)

 

[GTBOB]

I don't think the performance gain on an auto car is much....BUT, it depends. If you are one of those, like myself, who live by "every little bit matters" - then they are a great choice.

On that note, when I did my Shaftmasters DS on my auto car, I saved 10lbs.... So that to me, was worth it. I also planned on going very fast with the car, and I have/do. I dont think the stock DS would like 1.2 sixties and 8's@over150mph in the 1/4. There have been a few people with fast S550's who have broken the OEM DS.

As for the M6, I have a Shaftmasters DS on order for it...and I am looking forward to the 15+lb weight savings. ;)

Keep in mind that if you upgrade to aftermarket half shafts (much heavier than stock), some of that saved weight from the driveshaft swap will be negated.

 

[BMR Tech]

Keep in mind that if you upgrade to aftermarket half shafts (much heavier than stock), some of that saved weight from the driveshaft swap will be negated.

I am well aware sir. ;)

But I rather lose the 15+ with the DS and gain it back with halfshafts - than keep the 15+ and then gain with the half shafts.

I am doing little things here and there to shed weight too. There is a massive amount of weight to be saved, without making the car uncomfortable or racecare-ish. I will share those details in my build thread for the new car

 

[Grim12]

[MENTION=9985]BMR Tech[/MENTION] What do you think about CF vs Aluminum DS for the M6. My understanding that the ability of the CF to have some rotational flex can help spare the 1/2 shafts. Plus they would be even lighter.

 

[BMR Tech]

Well, I prefer the aluminum on a street car. Less worries about scratching and denting.

Aluminum shafts are work horses.

I just got mine in, and first thing I did was weigh it.

18.73lbs....for a weight savings of 17.4lbs. THAT is awesome if you ask me!

 

[Built4Speed]

Well, I prefer the aluminum on a street car. Less worries about scratching and denting.

Aluminum shafts are work horses.

I just got mine in, and first thing I did was weigh it.

18.73lbs....for a weight savings of 17.4lbs. THAT is awesome if you ask me!

You prefer Shaftmasters over DSS?

 

[JamesinLittleSilver]

Can someone tell me what it would cost to install the new shaft?

 

[whatsup62]

Can someone tell me what it would cost to install the new shaft?

Took me 45 mins laying on back in driveway.
I would think it would $200 or less.

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