What is the difference between a limeted slip and an open differential. I found a limited slip diff for my car somewhere for like $250-260. I can't really remember, but it was under $300. Anyway, is this a worthy upgrade for this price.
Won't a limited slip have a better launch? TIA

 

limited slip makes sure the power is put to the ground using both front wheels... so not only one may be spinning... and the other wheel standing still as with a open diff... therefore... u are getting equal traction with both wheels rather than one

 

That's a cheap differential..what brand name? The two good aftermarket ones which are popular on this board are Kaatz (Sp?) and Quaiffe...and will cost you around $800+. Basically with the stock open differential you cannot take turns too fast underpower as the wheels when both on the ground are basically acting as a single axle. That isn't good when turning as the ouside wheel needs to turn faster to compensate for the longer distance it needs to travel through the turn. If you push it too hard then the outside tire will not be traveling fast enough and you will hear chirping as the tire is being dragged across the concrete a little. Limited Slip allows inside and outsied wheels/tires to travel at different speeds through the turn...which equals no unneccesary tire wear and better performance when pushing the car hard. You also get power tranferred to the correct wheel (the one with the most grip available). That is why in Auto-X you will go into a more competetive race class if you install a LSD, as you are getting more grip than stock because of the wheels traveling at the optimum speeds on both sides of the vehicle.


[Modified by Vracer111, 10:43 AM 9/4/2001]

 

[quote]That's a cheap differential..what brand name? The two good aftermarket ones which are popular on this board are Kaatz (Sp?) and Quaiffe...and will cost you around $800+.
[QUOTE]


Hi, the cheap differential is the Phantom Grip. I would probably recommend going with a true LSD like the Quaife, KAAZ, or the ITR. The Phantom grip is a little spring loaded "thingy" that locks the spider gears together, like an old school detroit locker.

The KAAZ is a clutch type. IT's very aggressive, wears and required maintenance, and is very noisy. It probably helps the most in a straight line. I have a 1.5 way, meaning it helps on accel and on decel somewhat. 1 ways do not help on decel. 2 way is mostly for a true racecar.

Quaife and ITR are helical gear types I think. The Quaife is beefier and has a lifetime warranty. There are some reports that an ITR can break if you lift a wheel then suddenly drop it. It is prob the best for daily driving and whatnot.

I don't think this is exactly right. I think you are thinking of a locked differential, like if you have an SUV and go into 4wd low with locked diff. In that case, the 4 (or two) wheels turn at the same rate (locked diff) and you will have the scrubbing problem you describe. Most cars have an open diff. The diff is what allows the outer wheel(s) to turn at a diff rate so you don't have the scrubbing problem. The distinction of the LSD is that it "limits slip" by diverting TQ to the wheels that are slipping.

Generally, a FWD car with open diff will spin the inner tire since it is unweighted. With an LSD, TQ will be transferred to the outer wheel to help alleviate this and "pull" you through the turn. This can also help in a straight line depending on the LSD design.

Thoughts or corrections?

FB

 

Man, you guys are great, thanks for all the info!

 

For $300 it has to be a Phantom Grip. That is NOT a LSD. Drive a Type R one time and you will have to have a LSD.

 

the phatom grip isnt bad at all.. it just has some mounting issues but this can be resolved with some new kits coming out.

 

what new kits? i do not believe phantom grip is coming out with a new kit.

i do know zexel-torsen is set to, but not for a while