Posts Tagged ‘Drive Shaft’
Aluminum or Steel? Whats the Deal?
In our 35 year history here at Cleveland Power & Performance, we have sold and dealt with every single part of Firebirds and Camaros. The 1993-2002 Firebird/Camaro is one the most prevalent vehicles in our yard. So just about every question has come our way when it comes to certain parts of these F-Bodies. Whether it be leather or cloth, stick or auto, painted or chrome wheels, coupe or convertible, you get the point. But just as common as those is when customers ask us if there is any difference between the aluminum and steel driveshafts. The answer is as simple as this:
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- Aluminum
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- Steel
98-02 LS1 Firebird/Camaro -93-97 LT1 Firebird/Camaro
-Weighs 11.5 lbs -Weighs 20lbs
The length of the driveshafts are the same and they both will physically bolt onto any 1993-2002 Camaro or Firebird. A lot of people will dispute that it matters whether the car is auto or manual, and 5.7 or 3.8 liter, however, these driveshaft will fit any of those. In simpler terms, these two driveshafts are completely interchangeable and will work with any 1993-2002 Camaro or Firebird.
I will say in all of my years here, I have never had someone call me or tell me that they would like to swap their aluminum driveshaft for a steel one. The aluminum one is just as durable, despite the 9.5 pound weight difference, and seems to be the preference. And, obviously, if you are racing your car, and you believe that the less weight you have, the quicker you will go.
So, all in all, that is a basic breakdown in the two driveshafts. Although very similar and interchangeable, aluminum seems to be a fan favorite for the 4th gen F-Body faithful.
Winner: ALUMINUM