Gathering interest in a 1 Piece Driveshaft for the E30

Denny · 08-11-2011, 08:12 PM

Hi

Like the title says Im gathering interest in those that would want a 1 piece driveshaft for their E30. I found a place that will build me one for mine (M20B25 engine) since mine will be the guineepig it could benefit other in some sort of group buy that could be put together.

So please list your name if you are interested. right now its just people interested more info will come...

1.Denny Medeiros
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

etc...

Ceeker · 08-11-2011, 10:12 PM

Question: reason for going with the one piece?

Denny · 08-11-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceeker

Question: reason for going with the one piece?

Here is a few BIG reasons

1) Strength of 1 piece design (especially with forced induction)
2) no more center bearings and bmw hardware that is not serviceable less things to fail
3) 1 time balance (at time of build) so no more expensive balancing
4) ease of removal and install

and I found the right guy to do it

E30M42cab · 08-11-2011, 11:18 PM

Will there still be a U-joint on the shaft at both ends, or just a solid shaft end to end? Cause it better have at least one U joint.

Denny · 08-11-2011, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E30M42cab

Will there still be a U-joint on the shaft at both ends, or just a solid shaft end to end? Cause it better have at least one U joint.

Not sure on the technical aspect of the construction. The construction will be based on strength, ease of install and removal and without using expensive rare to find parts.

El Gato Liso · 08-12-2011, 12:14 AM

i kinda like the fact that i can seperate my drive shaft on command. and when it comes to fitment being able to adjust the length of the shaft is a woowoo win

E30M42cab · 08-12-2011, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denny

Not sure on the technical aspect of the construction. The construction will be based on strength, ease of install and removal and without using expensive rare to find parts.

Well, if it doesn't have at least one u-joint, you better be prepared for the guibo to tear up pretty quickly, as it will be the only thing compensating for and difference in the tranny angle and input at the diff. Better research this or you'll cause more problems than you solve. If you're not concerned on how it's built, I'd be happy to build you anything you ask for. Also, what price were you quoted for a single unit?

E30M42cab · 08-12-2011, 12:57 AM

http://www.driveshaftshop.com/import...oly-driveshaft

Unless you're swapping some huge engine in and drag racing, you don't need this. How often do you ever have to replace the centre bearing and guibo if your car is just a DD? If you've done it once, you probably won't have to do it again, so why spend money on a driveshaft of all things? For your Turbo you say? How many turbo guys already run them?

Eurostyle · 08-12-2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E30M42cab

Better research this or you'll cause more problems than you solve.

+1! I've seen some cars snap the end of the transmission with the 1 piece design...NO enaugh flex at all...So many high HP BMW's this type, nothing wrong with it!

Ceeker · 08-12-2011, 07:53 AM

This is the reason why I asked....BMW designed this shaft for a reason in this way. why try to re-engineer?

InfiniteDice · 08-12-2011, 08:11 AM

The only thing about the Stock shaft is you can't service the joints easily. If that mod could be made then I'd be interested.

DR.ZED · 08-13-2011, 08:35 AM

I know that the two piece design actually moves in and out in the middle where it connects to take up the movement of the rear subframe. Essentially the driveshaft changes length ever so slightly.

In a single piece driveshaft the forward section slides on the input shaft of the transmission and a "transmission output shaft seal" holds the oil in while this happens.

If we do a one piece design what is going to take up the slack? I see the rubber guibo pulling apart, defeating completely the reliability especially if you're putting more torque to it.

How has this been addressed?

simplycars · 08-13-2011, 11:29 AM

one piece driveshaft is easier to manufacture so company like BMW would be using it for a long time to lower production costs. i wouldn't even consider it.

Ceeker · 08-13-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfiniteDice

The only thing about the Stock shaft is you can't service the joints easily. If that mod could be made then I'd be interested.

I like the fact that domestic manufacturers didn't put grease nipples in the factory u-joints but one can easily replace those with joints that one can grease. there should be ones available for bmw's as well no?

DIY · 08-13-2011, 09:37 PM

I love the idea of making things better but, in all honestly after changing my gas tank and goin through the whole system this is the last thing I would try and redesign,....

Have you..

Reinforced the frame?
Installed them DTM replica suspension arms?
Upped engine power
Run slick tires?
Remapped the engine with electronic ignition?

Too many other places Þo spend money

Sorry bro