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S197 Mustang Aluminum Driveshaft Review (2011-14 One Piece)

We installed a one piece aluminum driveshaft on our 2011 Mustang GT Project Car. Read to see the drag strip results!!

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Weight is power. Simple automobile physics proves that removing weight is as beneficial as adding horsepower. The standard is something like 100 pounds equals a 10th in the quarter or about 10 horsepower. That number is even higher when the weight being removed is from a moving part like a driveshaft or clutch or unsprung weight, such as wheels or suspension components.

Since I purchased my 2011 Mustang GT, I've been paying close attention to the modifications I've made and kept track of their impact on my car's weight. The new 2011 Mustang 5.0 may have a weight advantage over the new Camaro, Challenger, and GT500, but, weighing in at about 3600 pounds from the factory, the GT is still no flyweight.

My current list of modifications has been advantageous to my 5.0 waistline so far. The Flowmaster hushpower axleback dropped 20 pounds off of the stang's tail. My rear drag wheels and Mickey Thompson slicks saved 40 pounds of precious unsprung weight when they replaced my factory Brembo package 19's. I recently installed 17x4.5" front drag wheels and saved a whopping 46 pounds unsprung. Our RAM dual-disc clutch saved another 5 pounds.

That's a total of 111 pounds in drag trim so far, of which 86 pounds is unsprung, and 5 pounds is rotational weight.

I know there are many ways to drop weight off this car. Some are drastic, such as removing interior parts or convenience and safety equipment, and some are easier. This is a brand-new car that I intend to enjoy on the street, so removing convenience and safety equipment is not an option for me. I will stick with practical weight-saving pieces that don't affect driveability and comfort.

One way to shed unnecessary pounds from your S197 Mustang is with an aluminum driveshaft. Most S197 owners know that Ford installed a curiously truck-like, 2-piece drive shaft under the 2005-2010 Mustangs. The 2011 Mustang is no different. The two-piece steel contraption and center bearing weigh in at a staggering 40 pounds.


S197 Mustang Aluminum Driveshaft Review (2011-14 One Piece) - mustang one-piece aluminum driveshaft

We offer a heavy-duty one-piece aluminum driveshaft to replace the factory's portly 2-piece unit. The replacement comes complete and ready to install and tips the scales at a 20 pounds. See the installation instructions here


After the installation of our one-piece shaft and SVE Drag Wheel front runners, we returned to the track to measure the results. The cool fall air at our local track, combined with our additional weight-saving measures, resulted in a new best time of 11.51 at 117.24 - that's over 2 tenths and 2 miles per hour quicker and faster than my previous best pass. My 60' time was 1.53, and my 1/8th mile was 7.35 at 96.46.

I have only experienced one caveat to the installation of the aluminum driveshaft. Since the installation, I've picked up some violent wheel spin on street tires, accompanied by wheel hop that will send you crying your way to the dentist. This is new to my car but not uncommon amongst S197 Mustangs. I'm guessing that dropping 20 pounds off the driveline transfers more power to the wheels and amplifies traction troubles. To combat this, some suspension tuning is in order. Stay tuned for more on this.

One-piece aluminum driveshafts are available for all 2005-2011 GT and Shelby GT500 Mustangs. Our one-piece shafts retail for a lofty $749.99, but if you're chasing the performance dragon, an aluminum driveshaft for your S197 is surely a worthwhile investment. Click the link below to see our full line of aluminum driveshafts!


Mustang Aluminum Driveshafts


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2010-14 Mustang Driveshafts


About the Video

Mustang Aluminum Driveshaft: S197 One Piece Design (05-14 GT & GT500)

Check out our YouTube channel for even more tech tips, installation videos, how-tos, and more. The best place to go for anything Mustang related!

Published on 2013-10-22
The 05-14 S197 Mustangs were cursed with a 2 piece driveshaft that was not only weak but heavy. Replacing your heavy 2 piece design factory driveshaft will not only remove unwanted unsprung weight but it will also help with reducing vibrations and improve acceleration. Be sure to click the link above to see our full line-up! This Dynotech aluminum driveshaft is available for both the GT models (automatic and manual transmissions) and Shelby GT500 models.

*** 05-10 GT DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT FOR AUTOMATIC & MANUAL ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602B/2005-10-Mustang-Gt-Aluminum-Driveshaft-For-Automatic-And-Man

*** 05-10 GT DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT FOR T-56 SWAP ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602B-M/Dynotech-Mustang-Aluminum-Driveshaft-05-10-GT

*** 07-10 GT500 DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602D/2005-10-Mustang-Shelby-Gt500-Aluminum-Driveshaft

*** 11-14 GT & Boss 302 5.0L DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT FOR AUTOMATIC & MANUAL GT & Boss 302 ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602C/2011-Mustang-Gt-50L-Aluminum-Driveshaft-For-Automatic-And-Ma

*** 11-14 GT 5.0L DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT FOR T-56 ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602C-M/Dynotech-Mustang-Aluminum-Driveshaft-11-14-GT

*** 11-12 GT500 DYNOTECH ALUMINUM DRIVESHAFT ***
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4602E/2011-Mustang-Shelby-Gt500-Aluminum-Driveshaft
Transcript
Jmac: 2005 to 2014 Mustangs were equipped with the two-piece steel drive shaft from the factory. Not only is it failure prone under race conditions, it takes a fair amount of power to spin it. Reducing weight, especially rotational weight, is a surefire way to improve the performance of your Mustang on the street or the track. In this case, it also aids in safety.

If you're not currently viewing this video on our website, click the link below, and check out latemodelrestoration.com's full selection of one-piece aluminum drive shafts, and rid your Mustang of the terrible two-piece drive shaft today.