Hmmmmmmmmmmm
I think we are delving into some speculation and opinion here, so I am
jumping on the bandwagon.
First, chain drive is more efficient than shaft IF the chain and sprockets
are in perfect condition. Through in tight spots in the chain and it starts
skewing the data. The advantage there is that the decrease in performance on
a shaft drive system occurs at such high milages, most people never have to
concern themselves with it. The reliability and decreased maintanence far
outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to high milage type applications.
The other thing about loosing horsepower is, unless you are at full throttle,
it is really a non factor. Twist the throttle a bit farther and you have
offset any loss that may be there at less than WFO.
As far as drive line snatch, as I think about it, the shaft drive systems
that come to mind have two sets of bevel gears. One at the front and one at
the back of the shaft. Each set of gears has to have backlash, or clearance
between the teeth so that they do not make noise and have the proper contact
patch location on the teeth of the gears. This would stand to reason that
anytime you change the direction of force being transmitted through the
shaft, you have to allow for the clearance to be taken up before the drive
becomes solid. Chain adjustment can address this on chain driven machines,
and lessen the effects. There are other factors like the number of dogs on
the transmission gears, internal backlash of trans gears, quality control of
the manufacturer and various other things that affect drive line snatch, but
it becomes a personal opinion of what you consider tolerable.
RSRBOB
