Anyone have any experience with CF driveshafts? How much do they cost?
ACPT Advanced Composite Products & Technology
Think link claims a 5% increase in HP
Caymans
don't have driveshafts to my knowledge - unless I'm missing the obvious. Axles, yes, driveshafts, no.
But for other cars there would have to be a difference - I don't know about 5% - but for cars like the Vette with a rear transaxle and a driveshaft that runs at engine rpm (I think) the hp difference should be something to think about as the hp relationship is directly related to the square of the driveshaft velocity. And I know that the Vette guys do retrofits such as this especially as the higher velocity allows lower torque transmittal which can let you play with thinner, high strength, lightweight materials. Just some ramblings for thought.
As I think about it I would imagine it would be a short drive shaft if at all. For example, those would have LSD installed, does the cam shaft run directly into it? I woudn't think so.
But this may be where my engineering ignorance shows.
The Nissan 350Z has a carbon fiber driveshaft as standard equipment. IMO it's more of a marketing tool than anything else.
I think you can say "technically" the reduction in rotating mass does not "make" more HP, but rather reduces the amount required to turn the lighter part, making more power available to move other parts, like the wheels.
The benefits obtained depend greatly on (a) the weight of the OEM shaft; and (b) it's diameter etc. CF drive shafts while lighter, are typically some what larger in diameter. One other great benefit claimed for them, is a safety one. They tend to shatter into small pieces in accidents, rather than pierce the cabin etc. like large rotating metal poles which can happen with regular drive shafts. They also tend to be self damping to a greater extent.
All that said, as already pointed out, with a mid engine design, I'm not sure exactly where or how you would get a CF drive shaft into a Cayman to take advantage of the 5% bhp savings. You might be better off looking into a set of carbon fiber wheels
Carbon fiber wheels coming to a tuner near you - Autoblog
if you want the 5% power gains
CF wheels. Exciting. If only they looked good!
Dymag has a line of carbon fiber\magnesium wheels that are pretty hot and
Porsche
tuner Rennworx imports them...14 lbs for a wheel measuring 18 x 9.
Pics and info here:
DYMAG: Carbon Fiber & Magnesium Wheels - 6speedonline.com Forums
Hmmm, Kayman-S, sounds like they might be a good potential sponsor and they should send you a tester set of wheels to evaulate for a possible group buy!
