Quote:
Originally Posted by Caspeed
Reducing rotational mass is generally a good thing. But remember that it's effect is determined by it's moment of inertia. The further from the center of rotation the greater the effect. 5Lbs from a wheel/tire assembly will be greater in it's effect (not even counting unsprung weight) than 5Lbs on a driveshaft.
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100% correct. you will get a larger benefit from things with a the majority of its mass at a larger radius. In the discussion of what is the best way to remove rotational mass the wheels will always be #1 best place to shed weight.
one thing this thread seams to forget about is that the OP didn't ask where to loose rotational mass or what was the best way to loose unsprung weight (or sprung weight for that matter). He simply asked about aluminum drive shafts and if they are a good product.
Are lighter drive shafts the best way to loose rotational mass? No. Do they reduce rotational mass and sprung weight from the car? Yes.
While this example isn't exact it does cover the necessary points and some math.
http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/trans...riveshaft.html
this is a video of a mustang owner claiming to have compared his steel stock drive shaft to an aluminum aftermarket drive shaft.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvXYzUh8UYA"]2011 Mustang v6 Drive Shaft Testing and Dyno - YouTube[/ame]