OK, just wanted to post up what I have learned this year about the NAPA axles; Do not race with them!

I have certainly proved to myself that they can't take the holeshot abuse that the stockers can take. I went through 6 different Napa axles. I tried to ease out of the hole but to no avail. If you want to race, don't use the NAPA axles. If you want to tool around town and honk on it once in awhile, they should be fine.

My previous stockers lasted quite a while racing and daily driving (and these had 150k(ish) on them). But when they finally broke, I went to the NAPA's, but to no avail (both new and reman). I ended up swapping with a buddy of mine. I gave him the new NAPA axles and he gave me his 156k axles. They took at least 15 runs (with slicks) at the (cold) Shoot Out. No problems. And the last 2 runs were sit in the box and bounce of the rev limiter runs.

So I would say definitively, go with the high mile stockers instead of the NAPA's for race applications.

MB

Did you know anything about the EMPI axles? Are they any good? I need new ones on my car to replace stock.

Originally posted by 95RS_oversees
Did you know anything about the EMPI axles? Are they any good? I need new ones on my car to replace stock.

Sorry, haven't any info on the Empi's. Honestly, if we are talking about anything NA (or small turbo for that matter), get some good used OEM axles.

Agree, but you never know the real condition of the joints with used ones. Mostly they are replaced because they are pushed to the limits or are about to bust I guess.
I read some reviews on other cars, that used empi's, with good results. They're not expensive either, about $100 each. Just curious if anyone used them.

the problems with most rebuilt axles is the way they are rebuilt. the "pots" are drilled out oversized and oversized internals are put in. this makes Everything weaker. for drag racing NA our stock axels in good condition can put up with a ton of abuse. once broken, I would replace them with high performance units from the driveshaft shop or brand new pieces from satan

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G
brand new pieces from satan

Anyone ever price these out? My buddy at his shop did. The stealer wanted $700............each! You gotta be kidding me.

Originally posted by bullettdsm

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G brand new pieces from satan

Anyone ever price these out? My buddy at his shop did. The stealer wanted $700............each! You gotta be kidding me.

:-o I thought VW was bad @ $450-500 a piece

check dodge for avenger axels, IIRC they're much cheaper

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G
the problems with most rebuilt axles is the way they are rebuilt. the "pots" are drilled out oversized and oversized internals are put in. this makes Everything weaker. for drag racing NA our stock axels in good condition can put up with a ton of abuse. once broken, I would replace them with high performance units from the driveshaft shop or brand new pieces from satan

Well, the EMPI ones are definitely no rebuilts/remans. They're brandnew built, and not unknown in the car business. But that's on other cars though...

Yeah, EMPI is very well known in the VW/aircooled world. very good stuff there, don't know about their other products tho

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G
Yeah, EMPI is very well known in the VW/aircooled world. very good stuff there, don't know about their other products tho

Took the keystrokes right out of my hand. Used lots of EMPI parts "back in the day".

Originally posted by bullettdsm

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G Yeah, EMPI is very well known in the VW/aircooled world. very good stuff there, don't know about their other products tho

Took the keystrokes right out of my hand. Used lots of EMPI parts "back in the day".

Ok, thanks guys. I think I'll try those out. So quality seems to be very good & price wise very attractive!
Besides, somebody needs to be the first to judge on them on a 2gnt ;-)

Jeronimo

I have never even heard of EMPI :shrug

Originally posted by eclipse982nrRST
I have never even heard of EMPI :shrug

Yup I have This dude probably watched that Tuner Challenge on Speed Channel. One with the ABD VW. I would use the axles from the driveshaftshop or race axles.

Originally posted by bullettdsm

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G Yeah, EMPI is very well known in the VW/aircooled world. very good stuff there, don't know about their other products tho

Took the keystrokes right out of my hand. Used lots of EMPI parts "back in the day".

I'll probably be using their stuff when I get to doing some fun stuff to the Porsche next year

Well, if the brand is good enough for the porsche, I think it will hold our cars as good :-)

it's a 1974 914 2.0 limited. very old

I am sure there are quite a few horses alive in it still :-)