I'm getting some vibration around 30 mph, which leads me to believe my driveshaft needs replacing. Thank you Mazda for making this a non-serviceable unit.
What are my options? I don't need anything too fancy, but I tend to upgrade when things break because my wallet is uncomfortable when there's money in it.
It's on my list of "things to add to the website", but FM has new rebuildable driveshafts for $275.
Some driveshaft shops claim they can rebuild factory Miata driveshafts.
I'll be calling you guys next friday when I get paid.
DaveEstey wrote: I'll be calling you guys next friday when I get paid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-CAfJqI2QY
I've heard you can have a driveshaft made for around the price Keith has the FM units for.
In which case, for this application, I would get the FM driveshaft.
(1st gen Mazda MPV also has "unservicable" driveshafts, if the u joints start to bind or something, options are to find one in a junkyard or have one made)
On a related note, I have an early (92) Miata chassis and a project in mind that involves lengthening the chassis about 6". How difficult would it be to lengthen the Miata driveshaft? It's just a pipe, right? Take it to a driveshaft shop and have them add 6" of pipe in the middle?
One option would be to move the engine back 6" in the subframe. You could retain the stock driveshaft in that case and you'd probably improve your weight distribution.
Yes, the middle section is just a pipe. I've never seen anyone shorten a driveshaft by sectioning the middle out of it, though. Doesn't mean it isn't done, but I'd swing by a driveshaft shop and ask. Lengthening is the same but with twice as many welds. It's no fun when they come apart.
You can get a custom driveshaft made with Miata ends on it for about $300 or so. That's what I decided to do with my Locost after looking at a few other options.
Keith wrote: One option would be to move the engine back 6" in the subframe. You could retain the stock driveshaft in that case and you'd probably improve your weight distribution.
I thought about that, it doesn't seem like a bad option, except that moves the engine closer to the passenger compartment, potentially encroaching on it.
This is a very weird project.
Without knowing more about your weird project, it's hard to comment 
The engine would still be the same distance from the rear wheels, of course, but if you're stuffing this under some other body then you have constraints. I'd talk to a driveline shop.
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