Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does a driveshaft add horsepower?
Yes, a driveshaft can add horsepower to a vehicle. A lightweight aluminum driveshaft reduces rotational mass, allowing the engine to work more efficiently and reducing parasitic loss. This can free up horsepower from the engine, resulting in improved performance.
2. What's better steel or aluminum driveshaft?
An aluminum driveshaft is generally considered better than a steel driveshaft. The lighter weight of an aluminum driveshaft reduces the workload on the engine, resulting in better performance. Additionally, aluminum driveshafts are resistant to rust and offer improved performance compared to steel.
3. How much horsepower can a stock driveshaft handle?
Driveshafts can be manufactured to handle a wide range of horsepower, from 40HP in economy cars to extremely powerful engines like those found in 100,000HP container ships. The specific horsepower handling capacity of a stock driveshaft will depend on the vehicle's design and intended use.
4. What does an upgraded driveshaft do?
An upgraded driveshaft can improve the reliability and performance of a vehicle's drivetrain. While it may not directly increase speed, upgrading to a stronger and lighter driveshaft can reduce rotational mass, enhance drivetrain strength, and improve overall vehicle performance.
5. Is a carbon fiber driveshaft stronger than steel?
Yes, carbon fiber driveshafts are stronger than steel. Unlike steel, carbon fiber does not shear when it breaks. If a carbon fiber driveshaft fails, it will come apart in harmless splinters that are unlikely to damage the vehicle. Additionally, carbon fiber has less vibration compared to aluminum driveshafts.
6. Does aluminum driveshaft give horsepower?
Yes, upgrading from a steel driveshaft to an aluminum one can provide a horsepower gain. The lighter weight of an aluminum driveshaft allows for better engine response and improved power transfer to the rear wheels. It has been reported that switching from a steel to aluminum driveshaft can result in a gain of 6 to 8 horsepower at the rear wheels.
7. How much HP can a stock Hellcat driveshaft handle?
For the stock Hellcat driveshaft, there are two options available: a 3.75" Carbon Fiber driveshaft or a 4" Aluminum driveshaft. The Carbon Fiber driveshaft is rated to handle up to 1,200 horsepower and a maximum RPM of 9,500, making it the superior choice for high-performance applications.
