Hey guys, I'm just wondering if there's a big enough difference in performance from a one piece steel drive shaft to a one piece aluminum. What effects would I be looking at? I'd love to find some kind of mod to make it easier to get off in 1st gear. It would be for a 97 6 speed Trans Am. 3.42 gears I believe?

 

ummm no. not worth it. your lookin at a .3 hp increase. go 411 gears. if mpg is an issue use 373

 

I'm not really looking for horse power, just something to make it easier for me to get the car rolling in first gear. If that makes any sense.

 

can go with better suspension to go with lower gears. you wont notice any difference on the drive shaft with the lt1. with a 3.4 a couple guys say the could tell.

 

When I had a 96 Z28, I replaced the stock driveshaft with an aluminum one, and weighed them both. Steel shaft: 16 lbs, aluminum shaft: 12 lbs. I didn't notice a difference in performance at all, and neither will you. Swapping to an aluminum driveshaft "just because" isn't worth the money spent, unless your u-joints are shot, and you happen to find a smokin deal on one. Otherwise, save your money for something that will make a difference.

 

Any suggestions on what will make a difference?

 

Well, usually the first enhancement for an engine, no matter what vintage, has always been to make the engine breathe in and out easier; a more free flowing exhaust and intake setup.

 

Well, she already has pacesetter long tubes. I was looking at some intake thing and had some questions though.. Air the air foils worth putting on? And a smooth intake elbow?