QA1 GT350 CF Driveshaft

[pbrmeasap]

Quick note: when I installed my qa1 and did my first shakedown, I didn't notice any Nvh. Top speed was only about 125-130, tho.

Between the shakedown and my first day at COTA, I had to drop the trans to replace a rear main seal. When I did my track day, I had some vibrations north of about 120.

After seeing this recent convo about angles, I went and checked mine and found that my trans had slid towards the driver side a bit in the rear. I loosened the mounts and pulled it back. Presto - no more vibrations.

If you're having any added NVH, it's probably something similar.

Really curious as to the NVH at higher speeds. I run Daytona Rolex course fairly frequently and reach speeds in the 160's - 170's - so would really want assurance of no vibrations or potential issues during those higher risk sessions.

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[honeybadger]

Really curious as to the NVH at higher speeds. I run Daytona Rolex course fairly frequently and reach speeds in the 160's - 170's - so would really want assurance of no vibrations or potential issues during those higher risk sessions.

You won't have any issues. I know of a few have run this DS at Daytona. I've run mine to 160 and not had any issues. Just need to make sure things are aligned (if you don't move the trans/diff, you'll be good).

 

[pbrmeasap]

You won't have any issues. I know of a few have run this DS at Daytona. I've run mine to 160 and not had any issues. Just need to make sure things are aligned (if you don't move the trans/diff, you'll be good).

Appreciate the feedback. Next question then is - is there a performance improvement? For Daytona, would want to see improved exit speed out of turns 3 and 6 in particular (both in 3rd gear). Another example of desired quicker rpm spool up would be turn 7 at Sebring.

I am also considering swapping out the heavy stock brake set up for the AP Racing package to save considerable #, but that's for another thread.

 

[honeybadger]

Appreciate the feedback. Next question then is - is there a performance improvement? For Daytona, would want to see improved exit speed out of turns 3 and 6 in particular (both in 3rd gear). Another example of desired quicker rpm spool up would be turn 7 at Sebring.

I am also considering swapping out the heavy stock brake set up for the AP Racing package to save considerable #, but that's for another thread.

It's not a lap time mod in my opinion. It's a safety mod, a fairly cost effective way to trim some weight, and it pairs well with other related mods (i.e. tune, built engines, etc.).

 

[MandoGt350R]

Anyone know where the best price for this DS is and if there are any discount codes or up coming specials?

 

[Epiphany]

I know it's been a while but I think the following is relevant and should be shared here.

I sold my GT350 in 2017 and purchased a new GT500 in January of 2020. I was going through the car carefully at home, up on a lift. The driveshaft on the '20-'22 GT500 is carbon fiber right from the factory, just like the '13-'14 GT500. The driveshaft tube though, did not look like the earlier version. It did look VERY similar to the QA1 driveshaft discussed in this thread. Not the ends, mind you, but the tube. Upon closer inspection I found a yellow tag that lay under some resin. Note the letters at the beginning of the serial number...

QA1. It couldn't be a coincidence. Odd thing was, at the time I don't believe they were a tier supplier. So I called them and asked to speak with somebody in the engineering department. I spoke about what I had found and asked "did you guys supply the tube to Ford for the new GT500?" He was very careful, initially but eventually relented and admitted it was theirs. It was a great conversation.

Fast forward to 2024 and the upcoming GTD, supposed to be coming with a CF shaft. Larry Holt from Multimatic stated the GTD was actually using the S550 GT500 driveshaft to save time and money on a proven piece. Well, I've come to learn that when people say that, the part or part number is never the same. Things get tweaked over time.

So I had a friend out at Laguna a few days ago and he called me while he was near a freshly built GTD as well as some displays. I noticed a driveshaft in one of the photos. I asked him if he could see a yellow tag and if he could to get a clear shot.

Well I'll be a son of a bitch. It's not only a QA1 tube, but if you compare the serial and lot numbers to mine it looks like an early off the shelf unit.

Larry Holt was telling the truth! Long story short, QA1 knows a thing or two about CF driveshafts. Impressive as heck that they look to be using a very similar tube on what should be one of the baddest Mustangs ever to be sold through Ford. Good stuff QA1.

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