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GROUP BUY: The Driveshaft Shop - Carbon Fiber Driveshaft

11K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  Rueyme 
#1 · (Edited)
This is a group-buy opportunity to save 15% over retail cost on a carbon fiber driveshaft for the M5 & M6 (SMG models). There is a starter thread that covers a lot of questions, and if you have more, please post them there and I will relay them to Frank @ The Driveshaft Shop (the owner). *I am not affiliated with them



If you would rather contact TDS with questions, please fill out the contact form on their website here: The Driveshaft Shop



Click HERE for the main thread.



This is what it will look like but is not the actual part, for reference only:



Auto part Machine Tool




Retail Price:

M5 SMG: $1600.00 + shp

M6 SMG: $1700.00 + shp



Group-Buy Price (w/minimum 8 orders):

M6 SMG: $1700 - $255 = $1445.00 +shp

M5 SMG: $1600 - $240 = $1360.00 +shp

*Shipping is roughly $40 in the US via their online shipping calculator



NOTE: There is a lead-time of 6-8 weeks from the time we place the order for 8 units until they ship direct to you.



That, to me, is the major drawback. The next drawback, that others have mentioned in the thread, is the lack of feedback for our particular model. Meaning, it seems no one on the board, or via google search, has put down any feedback for the M5 & M6 carbon driveshaft. So in essence, we are test mules as far as benefits are concerned. Their are a lot of "claims" around but no definitive evidence on our models. Frank says, "We have made many of them." when I was inquiring about our models.



Common Questions (answered on the main thread):



How much does it weigh?: While TDS doesn't have an actual weight recorded on our application, Frank indicates it will weigh 22-24 LBS based on similar models and lengths.



Okay, so if the weight is not the real benefit, what is?: To sum it up, harmonics and torsional properties. Gives the car a more "athletic" feel. Please visit the main thread for more details.



Will this thing shatter into a million pieces with our high revving beasts?: No, TDS utilizes a balancing technique that is one of the best on the market and is built to withstand about 11,000 RPM. You can read about their balancing on the TDS website.



How can this product give the car a more "athletic" feel?: The stock shaft is 2 pieces utilizing a center guibo. The power from the engine has to travel through these various pieces and rubber components reducing feed back and power transfer. The carbon shaft is a single piece unit with no center guibo eliminating slop. More info on the thread. Like going from rubber bushings to poly, IMO.



Can I install this myself and how long will it take?: Yes, you can do this yourself if you have some experience wrenching. Basically you have to, remove under panels, drop the exhaust from the header back, remove heat shields covering the driveshaft, remove and replace the driveshaft, reverse. Shops have quoted me 2-3hrs at a cost of $225-$350, in the Houston area.



If this pans out, I will pick someone from the GB, whom I will pay up to $200 for a before/after dyno session. I know Eurocharged, here in Houston, will do 3 pulls for $85. Maybe we will have a fellow Texan who is local on this, which would be nice cause I sure would like to be there to see it in action and snap some pics and/or video. Even though this may not increase power to the wheels on a dyno, I myself, am very interested to find out. Consider it a bonus.



As stated before, please ask questions on the main thread to keep this one organised. Here is the link again *CLICK*



Please copy the list below, paste it in your reply, add your user name and whether you want the M5 or M6 model, and hit reply to be added to the list of buyers. If we go over the 8 required, great, please add additional lines as needed.



Carbon Driveshaft Buyers List:

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#6 ·
Carbon Driveshaft Buyers List:
1. Lay3r3 (M5)
2. jonbly (M6)
3.Beemer323 (M5)
4. randywei (M5)
5.
6.
7.
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Reactions: FastHackem
#9 ·
Peeps should note its also a good chance to replace the guibo thing!

Halfway there...if nothing happens why not suggest a 4 person GB saving of $120 a shaft? Better than nothing and Im sure they wouldnt mind selling 4 shafts in 1 hit!

OP feel free to delete this msg if inappropriate :)
 
#16 ·
I noticed this is for SMG only I can't remember if I brought this up before but will they be willing to build one for the 6MT? Hopefully once everyone gets theirs well get a better idea of the results once installed.
 
#17 ·
From what Frank told me, he doesn't have the design in the system for the manual, but he was willing to make it if the customer took some measurements. That's as far as I got though on that subject. If you would like me to prod the idea some more, let me know and I will get in touch with him. Otherwise, feel free to contact them any time.
 
#20 ·
Hahaha Fast, I hear ya...but...Im not under the thumb at the moment!! I can spend away :-D

Better to use your money before a woman comes into your life to take it from you haha

I was just wondering dude whats gonna happen with this GB?

Is it possible he will allow the same rate with maybe 6 peeps? I understand all the aspects of economies of scale, etc...but...Im sure at the end of the day he is still making a profit of us even if its only 6 ordered! He can churn out more later at the higher price after that.
 
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