Any Carbon Driveshaft track experience?

[Tankslapper]

Gents,

Is anyone using the infamous v2 carbon driveshaft on their track car? I am tempted to add one, but I haven't seen any of you talk about first hand experience, which given the claimed benefits, seems like a red flag?

Anyone using one?
Thanks
Steve

[DRLane]

A good 20k miles on mine predominantly at the track. No issues.

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by Tankslapper

Gents,

Is anyone using the infamous v2 carbon driveshaft on their track car? I am tempted to add one, but I haven't seen any of you talk about first hand experience, which given the claimed benefits, seems like a red flag?

Anyone using one?
Thanks
Steve

I don't have a carbon driveshaft, but I know quite a few that do on this platform and other platforms. There have been a number of failures out there--especially at higher power levels.

Some might disagree with my opinion but here's my take on it: The driveshaft is an extremely high stress part. If you want/need ultimate performance and reliability/longevity is secondary, then do it. And---buy 2 and keep a spare on-hand in the trailer. But if you want OEM reliability/longevity, then this may not be the part for you.

I've been at Super Lap Battle at COTA and watched the Lyfe Motorsports Nissan GTR blow up two carbon driveshafts 2 years in a row. The first year, they didn't get a full lap out of it---blew up before Turn 16. We had to tip-toe past him during the whole session while the tow truck came and got him which is always a bummer when you're on fresh tires. The second year, the driveshaft blew up right before the Start/Finish as they were finishing their first hot lap and limped across the line----and won! hahaha But you don't need a zillion horsepower to have problems. Several M3s have ruined them as well.

On my build, I decided I didn't want these kinds of issues. I wanted my car to be fast, but I also wanted a degree of reliability if possible. So, my car, which I think it's fair to say is pretty built up, has the stock driveshaft and stock control arms (except for rear toe arms because I was forced to switch that out to achieve the alignment.)

Ultimately, if you are pounding the car on the track, I think you just need to consider this part as a consumable item and be prepared for when it goes.

[Vybz]

I've been rocking a Mfactory cf driveshaft for 2 years now. No major issues thus far, HOWEVER... I seem to have been unlucky and received one that wasn't properly balanced, so I do get significant vibration at speeds above 130 mph.

That being said, it's been abused at the track for 2 years and still hasn't failed even while not being perfectly balanced. My car does not have forced induction though.

PSA: Mfactory did say they'd be willing to inspect it and replace if found to be faulty, but that's obviously an off season thing, and I refuse to have weeks if not months of downtime during the track season. With the amount of downtime involved, that's my main reasoning for not really being in a rush to send my driveshaft out to them. It'll happen eventually though.

That's the only complaint I have for my cf shaft. My buddy has the exact same shaft, and I did the install on his car and he doesn't have the vibration so luck just wasn't on my side.

[rhyary]

I am tracking close to 30 days a year for 4 years on MFactory V1 CFDS with a supercharged car. No issues at any speed.

However, I am mostly on 200tw tires, and occasionally on RR which is a DOT slicks.

This winter I plan to replace it with V3 and this used V1 will be for sale.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by rhyary

This winter I plan to replace it with V3 and this used V1 will be for sale.

Why change and run the risk of issues when your V1 is already tried and tested?

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by Redd

Why change and run the risk of issues when your V1 is already tried and tested?

Good question and I am torn about it.
I have to put some faith that mfactory has figured out the bugs out of V3. I do so many trackdays that I have to be proactive. The V1 has shown no deterioration or issues. A new owner that does few trackdays, or no trackdays should be able to enjoy a lightweight DS with more direct connection to the rear wheels at a reduced price. Or I get to keep the V1 as spare while starting another 4 year stint on the V3.