Ray -
Sorry to hear about your calamity, but it has given me pause for thought. Even with a loop, that's a lot of damage.
The one component in my drive train I hadn't even given a thought to was the driveshaft.
I'm running 4.22's, and I'd hate to see what might happen if it were to cut loose at 7G.
It'll be going in for a balance job, at a minimum.
Have fun at the Shoot Out.
And again, as always, great photojournalism!
Thanks for the good words, Cap'n. They're very much appreciated.
I've been thinkin about this driveshaft deal and while the loop did what it was intended to do, it didn't minimize the carnage much. I knew that the driveshaft speed might be an issue cuz I have a 0.666 overdrive in the transmission which brought up the speed of the tailshaft, driveshaft and pinion. I was more worried about it at higher speeds (near 200 mph would have had the shaft spinning near 10,000 RPM) but it seems that even 6000 RPM shaft speed was sufficient to create significant havoc. I spose if the shaft had dropped the nose, punched thru the floor pan or tunnel and tried to jump inside with me, it would have been a whole lot more exciting...and I had plenty of excitement at it was... So, Bill Ward and I discussed using a 58-74 Chevy truck 2-piece driveshaft (or any other shaft with a center support bearing) with an additional crossmember where the center support bearing is located. Denny's (the manufacturer of the twisted soda straw that's stowed in the back of the Monte Carlo) sells 'em...but they sure ain't cheap: $700-$1000. I think I'll send 'em a picture of mine with their logo prominently displayed and see if they wanna discuss replacement. See the attached photo.
The other thing I've been thinking about is a rear driveshaft loop. Some thought would have to go into it regarding rear axle movement, but it could still be done...and might not be a bad idea.
Finally, I'll be heading back to the salt this afternoon. I'll have something on the FIA meeting booze 'n schmooze later tonite.