'71 Drive Shaft - What can it handle?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by 71Mavrk, Nov 20, 2013.

  1. 71Mavrk

    71Mavrk Member

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    I’m working my way towards installing a decently built 347 in my ’71. I’m estimating FWHP at 400-425.

    I’m not looking to beat it up or race it, but I’m wondering if the driveshaft that was once behind the 170 will be up to the task.

    Who out there is running a stock driveshaft behind similar HP? Any issues?

    Thanks,
    Micah
     
  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    I've been...:smash:...:chirp:...on one for 7-8 years. it's been behind my...302...347...LSX...slicks 2-3 times...Detroit locker...no problems. as long as you are on...street tires...you should be good.
     
  3. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    With FWHP you won't need a drive shaft... :rofl2:
     
  4. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    LOL.. gear head humor.. gotta love it. :biglaugh:

    I think Frank nailed it. No deep gearing, high stall convertors along with sticky tires in your future?.. then you'll be fine. Just make sure you use stout aftermarket u-joints, is all.

    Personally, I still wouldn't run that puny little thing on a stout little 302, much less a stroker motor, but I tend to overkill everything I do anyways.. so there's that. :cool:
     
  5. junrai

    junrai Member

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    youve went through the trouble of building or buying a motor that has that much power why not make sure youre not going to break something and upgrade the drive shaft and ujoints.
    do you have any kind of stall in your car? when I was starting to build a 347 my engine builder said I should have atleast a 2500 stall to make the engine run right
     
  6. MaverickDan

    MaverickDan I wanna go fast!!!

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    I'm running my stock drive shaft, probably have about 450rwhp and its still holding. That said I haven't put slicks on it yet, and my moneys on the 8" letting go first.
     
  7. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    As a FYI a '68-'70 Stang with C6 & 428 uses a 3.5" diameter D/S with 1330 U-Joints that is same length as a 2dr Mav(Mav is 46 5/8", Stang 46 19/32")... Yeah good luck on finding one at a reasonable price, no doubt the 390 & C6 optioned Stangs would have similar...
     
  8. 71Mavrk

    71Mavrk Member

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    It will be an AOD, stall will be around 2500 RPM, 3.55 rear, posi, no slicks.

    Car is getting way over budget. If there is something that I can safely run, I would rather put the money in another area.

    Micah
     
  9. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    it's not the total hp that kills them.. it's the sudden shock of hi-rpm/hi-torque loads associated with drag racing launchs that twists them up.

    Run aftermarket u-joints.. keep in mind what you have under there when you're getting a bit too crazy from dead stops(street tires will just break loose before any shaft damage ocurrs anyways).. and put your money elsewhere. ;)
     
  10. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    FWHP - fly wheel horse power
    or
    FWHP - front wheel horse power
    that appears the the question
     
  11. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    lol.. a front wheel drive Mav?

    now I have seen it all. :dancing:
     
  12. junrai

    junrai Member

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    NOOOO WAAAY a maverick or comet going way over budget thats unheard of :rofl2: these cars were and are still so reliable. they were built to last forever. how can it possibly go over budget? you shouldnt have to do anything other than change the oil and thats a once in a lifetime occurrence :rofl2::rofl2:
     
  13. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    The Fox body D'shafts fit the Comet/Mavs too. I'm running a 2004 D'shaft in mine that I bought new (left over production from Ford) Only reason I switched was both the shafts that came with my car had off center yokes that created balance problems.
     
  14. dan gregory

    dan gregory Member

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    I`m going to get Denneys to make me one,my friend has their directions to send them the measurements.They are made of alum. & very strong,I`ll just be done w/ it & can go on to other things,about $300.
     
  15. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    You're buying a name. Your local driveshaft shop can build one just as good for $200 less
     

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