Or rather my L. did this a.m. Took it over to Mark Chuhaloff at Coast Driveline and he installed the carbon fiber drive shaft. It passed the eyeball test. Jeff used Spicer fittings and the good green fiber, not the cheap black stuff, and it appeared to be well epoxied. The only problem is, nobody can see it. I want everybody to envy my shaft!

------------------
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.
'00 SVT Lightning, silver, G-tech Pro, JBA headers, cam bolts, 4.10 gears,
Swanson's chip, Pro-M, carbon drive shaft, Roadmaster suspension kit
2001 Kevlacat 2400, twin 115 Evinrude FICHT, Raytheon VHF, radar, autopilot and GPS chartplotter/fishfinder.

gmvye@pacbell.net

 

George:

If you visit the right kind of establishment, your shaft will be enjoyed.

By the way, are you going to Danny's Monday to see Chet's L with the double blower?? I thought that I would drive up. It's a long drive for you. Do you know his new address?

------------------
Jim
Jim@FordMotor.cc

Black 00, 4.10's, SuperChip/R9, super whites, Airaid w/10" Big Mouth, Mobile1 w/FilterMag, chrome wheels, AIM 2" drop, clear corners
2000 E320, 1993 Cobra R, 1959 Corvette,
1949 Plymouth Coupe

 

I know how you feel alphadoggy, I'm usually just relegated to telling great tales about my shaft. The places it has been, its tremendous performance, the lore and legend of its mighty accomplishments. Alas, there are only a lucky few who get to see the workmanship, or experience its magical qualities. Although stiffness would be a high point, I would stay away from discussion of weight, however...

 

alphadoggy,

How involved is it to install the driveshaft? How long did it take? How much did he charge you? Sorry for all the questions I've never been shafted before...

 

Brimstone, since the shaft came with U joints it was a very simple job for an expert like Mark. Before I sprang for the shaft I asked him what it would cost to install and he told me $20. It took about 10 minutes, and when he handed me the bill it was for $15. The bill said "Preferred Cash Customer" on it. Now I've spent a lot of money in his shop on the rear end install, but I'm still in shock that he only charged me 15 bucks for this job.

 

Changing a driveshaft is about as hard as changing a tire IMHO, having done that a couple of times. Its just a little awkward. I haven't looked underneath my ford, but my chevy had 4 bolts near the rear axle, and 4 near the tranny. My Isuzu had 4 near the rear axle, and it just 'slid' right into the tranny. Quite basic.


I know you noticed a performance gain right? I suspect it would be a SOTP type difference, but I could be wrong. I haven't heard any feedback from shafted Lightnings. Any 1/4 mile times?

 

I would think that if there are any real world performance gains to are too miniscule to be noticed by my insensitive butt. However, I am planning to take it to the track in two weeks and see what kind of numbers it generates.

 

Alphadoggy, I am having 3.73 rear gears installed next week in the lightning and the installer recommended that I go to a carbon fiber driveshaft because there will be some vibration with the stock driveshaft at 70 mph because of the increased rev speed. He said that the vibration used to show up in the 90-100 mph area but shows up sooner on the newer vehicles. did you have any problem like this with vibration and does the L feel any smoother with the carbon fiber shaft. thanks 95rcobra.

 

Alt his talk about shafts, and we still havint seen 1 picture posted ehre. Bring em on!!

 

If I can do it myself then I will, sounds simple to me. The only thing I am concerned about is alphadoggy mentioned "Spicer fittings" and "good green fiber" and "well epoxied." What is that all about? Don't want to get shafted without using the right lubricant or sealant...(ewwwwwww!)

Mike

 

I wonder where your installer gleaned this piece of "information"? I never noticed any vibration with the stock drive shaft, and I don't notice any with the c.f. shaft. I'd be interested in what the rest of you have to report.