View Full Version : Aluminum or Carbon Composite Driveshaft?


BMWguy206
08-13-2002, 10:45 PM
Aluminum or Carbon Composite Driveshaft?
Ok guys, to make it simple on why I'm asking you this question is because last Friday night at the drag strip, the driveshaft on the Turbo E36 M3 finally took a dump on me. The front section of the driveshaft has twisted and separated from each other. Pics will be soon!

I guy I know gave me a link about composite driveshafts and it made me think about not getting a factory steel driveshaft.
http://www.acpt.com/driveshaft/driveshafts.html

It looks like I'm gonna take the plunge in getting a carbon composite driveshaft. Downside is that ACPT does not stock them and takes about 3 weeks to make. Cost is also about $1200-$1500.

Another place called Inland Empire Drivelines ( http://www.iedls.com/home.html ) seems to be great in building driveshafts and they also have aluminum driveshafts. They get their carbon composite driveshafts from ACPT. I do not know the cost of the aluminum driveshaft but I'm sure its a lot cheaper than the composite version.

The cost of a factory rebuilt STEEL driveshaft can be around $400-$800 depending on dealer or distributor. I just cant.. no, I DO NOT want to put on the factory driveshaft because it'll just twist and separate again because of the power I'm making. OK fine, maybe its because of how I'm driving! But I'm sure for track driven M3s the steel driveshafts will fatigue over time and end up getting vibration problems.

Ok so anyways, if money was an issue what would you get?

DSK M3/4
08-13-2002, 11:13 PM
unless someone knows that an aluminum d/s will stand up to your abuse, go composite. i'm guessing the composite one will be lighter than aluminum, too.

Z3POWER
08-14-2002, 08:50 PM
If you plan to drag all the time, I would go CF or go back to steel.
I don't drag, but knowing a little about engineering & forces involved, especially the twisting of the drive shafts. Alum is just not the type of material I would use for drag racing.
If you want the best weight and strength go C.F.
Otherwise go back and get a steel unit.

Sorry for not giving you a clear answer.

Good luck and post those photos of the busted shaft.
:eek:

BMWguy206
08-16-2002, 01:27 AM
As I promised, pictures of my twisted driveshaft.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=377788#post377788