BritishV8 Forum

General Category => Engine, Transmission, & Rear Axle assy. => Topic started by: MGBV8 on October 29, 2008, 12:15:36 PM

Title: Driveshaft safety loops
Post by: MGBV8 on October 29, 2008, 12:15:36 PM
A very good idea for high-powered street cars, as well as race cars.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?41,945341
Title: Re: Driveshaft safety loops
Post by: BlownMGB-V8 on October 29, 2008, 12:29:57 PM
Might be OK for the front but I don't know why you'd need it for the rear. On the front it seems it would sort of depend on how far forward your universal was located, might not need it there either. That is, unless you think it might come through the tunnel.

Jim
Title: Re: Driveshaft safety loops
Post by: MGBV8 on October 29, 2008, 01:49:36 PM
That's exactly what it did to the Alfa driver.
Title: Re: Driveshaft safety loops
Post by: BlownMGB-V8 on October 29, 2008, 02:37:19 PM
Did the Alfa have a metal tunnel, or was it like the TR's which used paper?
Title: Re: Driveshaft safety loops
Post by: Bill Young on October 29, 2008, 04:28:46 PM
Metal if I remember correctly from photos I've seen of several Alfas in magazines. NHRA has mandated drive shaft safety hoops for decades on most of the higher performance classes.  I'd vote for front and rear, although front is probably the most important, especially if you have an open tunnel on the bottom so the shaft doesn't drop and 'pole vault" the car or the spinning shaft rip up the tunnel and driver as the car slows down. A good idea Carl, and definitely one a lot of guys that really push their cars might consider.
I think I'd like one at the rear as well, not too heavy and might save some chassis damage if the U-joint failed.
A hint I learned from a drag racer, when you are installing U-joints that have grease fittings place the fitting so that it is under compression from the engine torque. Doesn't cost anything and just might add that little extra strength to prevent a failure.