Benefits of Carbon Fibre
Carbon-fibre tubes are more expensive than Aluminium, BUT, they are more efficient in many ways. When you are looking at power figures 1,400+ hp (subject to tube size), carbon fibre is your better choice.
The main difference between aluminium and carbon fibre is; carbon fibre has the highest critical speed module of elasticity and surprisingly high torsional strength.
It’s ability to twist more under load, results in:
- Smoother transfer of power at launch and between shifts
- Reduced shock load to the drivetrain and the rear tyres
- Improved 60ft times
Aluminium is much more torsional than steel (approx. 15° under load vs 5°-7° for steel) but carbon fibre can go upwards of 30° to 35°. Carbon fibre driveshafts can free up as much as 5 hp over a stock steel driveshaft.
When winning is everything, that might make all the difference.
What is the benefit of using a Carbon Fibre Driveshaft/Tailshaft?
Lighter Weight
Carbon Fibre Driveshafts/Tailshafts are significantly lighter weight than a steel Driveshaft/Tailshaft of the same configuration, and typically 0.90kg to 1.36kg lighter than an aluminium Driveshaft/Tailshaft
More Torsional
The most noticeable benefit is that the Carbon Fibre tube is more torsional than Steel or Aluminium, meaning that it can twist more under load. This results in a smoother transfer of power at launch and between shifts. To put his into perspective, a steel Driveshaft/Tailshaft will typically experience 5°-7° of torsional twist under load. An aluminium tube is much more torsional than steel and will typically have about 15° of torsional twist under load.
Carbon Fibre however, can twist upwards of 30° to 35° under load. By having more torsional capability the Driveshaft/Tailshaft will provide significantly increased dampening of shock loads throughout the drivetrain, which translates to reduce wear on other drivetrain components, better dampening of harmonic transfer throughout, and can also help with better traction at launch.
Is a Carbon Fibre Driveshaft/Tailshaft safe for street use?
Yes it is !!!
The carbon fibre tubing that is used to build the Driveshaft Shop Driveshafts/Tailshafts is protected by a fibreglass layer and a thick clear epoxy coating over the weave to protect if from road hazards, rock chips etc.
There are considerations that need to be taken seriously when using a Carbon Fibre Driveshaft/Tailshaft.
The most common damage that occurs is caused by contact with the tube, damaging the carbon weave caused by clearance issues, or delamination of the bonding caused by excess heat.
It is absolutely imperative when installing a Carbon Fibre Driveshaft/Tailshaft, that clearances are checked in relation to the car floor - Driveshaft/Tailshaft tunnel, and other components (exhaust, mounts, braces etc.) before use. It is also very important to take into account the movement of the rest of the drivetrain that can occur during acceleration.
Many times, there will be more than sufficient clearances with a car sitting static that can change drastically during a launch. We also recommend checking mounting points for transmission and differential as worn bushings can cause excess movement of these parts and damage the Driveshaft/Tailshaft.
The other consideration is excess heat that can damage the bonding of the tube. Typically, temperatures above 149°C / 300° F can affect the bonding agents used in the tube and to affix the ends, so if you have exhaust or any other heat source that is very close to the Driveshaft/Tailshaft, you must wrap or shield it to protect the Carbon Fibre from being damaged.
Can I shorten an existing Carbon Fibre Driveshaft/Tailshaft?
Technically, yes, the Driveshaft Shop can, but only by a minimum of at least 10cm-12.5cm.
The Driveshaft Shop Carbon Fibre shafts have billet aluminium ends that extend about 10cm-12.5cm (depending on tube diametre) inside the carbon fibre shaft. To be reusable, the Carbon Fibre shaft would have to e shortened more than 10cm-12.5cm and that billet aluminium end would have to be scrapped and a new one bonded in its place.
