Author Topic: 7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?  (Read 3076 times)

Offline Road_Runner

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7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?
« on: November 19, 2016 - 11:35:44 PM »
So I'm building a new center section for the Roadrunner's 8.75 rear and I'm trying to decide whether to go with the same 7290 U-joints it has now or the larger 1350's.  The rest of the car will be a stroker 383 (450 or 489) with say 550 HP/TQ and a built 727.  Are 1350 u-joints necessary at this power level or are the 7290's sufficient?  Curious what other people here are running with similar power levels.  I may occasionally take it down the track with sticky 10" drag radials, but it will mostly be a street car with 9-10" wide street radials.

Thanks, Jim
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black




Offline Cudaragtop

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Re: 7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2016 - 07:53:43 AM »
 :popcorn:
- Randy D.
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Offline rUNCHARGER

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Re: 7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2016 - 12:41:09 PM »
The 7290 probably has the same limitations as an 8 3/4. If you have nothing you might as well build a 1350 driveshaft though. If you have the stock 7290 driveshaft I would use it.
I used stock 7290 driveshafts for decades behind warmed up Hemis of 500-525HP on street tires most of the time. If you use slicks the stress level goes up in a hurry with a 4 speed. You're using a 727 so the 7290s will live.

Sheldon

Offline Road_Runner

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Re: 7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2016 - 02:21:01 AM »
The 7290 probably has the same limitations as an 8 3/4. If you have nothing you might as well build a 1350 driveshaft though. If you have the stock 7290 driveshaft I would use it.
I used stock 7290 driveshafts for decades behind warmed up Hemis of 500-525HP on street tires most of the time. If you use slicks the stress level goes up in a hurry with a 4 speed. You're using a 727 so the 7290s will live.

Sheldon

I am beefing the rear up as much as possible, but I know it will still only survive so much abuse.   I'd like to keep the cars original drivetrain since its all still there 46 years later, so I will probably stay with good quality 7290 u-joints.  Thanks for the insight, its really appreciated.
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black

Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Offline Road_Runner

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Re: 7290 vs 1350 U-joints, at what HP/TQ level are 1350 advisable?
« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2016 - 08:58:18 AM »
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/lak-23012/overview/year/1970/make/dodge/model/challenger

Tough U joints...

I actually have a pair of these exact u-joints to go on the car!  I will say while searching on the web I found some comments regarding the need to lube this type of  U-joint once a year which is why some still recommend the kind that you can lube for street cars even though they're weaker.  But the Lakewoods don't say they have to be lubed that often so maybe it depends on conditions (4x4 vs performance cars, etc.

Thanks, Jim
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black