Lsd

[Accord2nrz]

We all know what Limited Slip Differential is by name recognition and we all see it as a good thing I guess. But can someon/anyone describe it in detail. How it works and if there are any disadvantages to it?

[messiahx]

In simple terms, a limited slip differentials locks the rear wheels together (the ratio varies from 1:1 to 6:1+ depending on type). The big advantage in this, is power can be put down using the grip of both (or more if AWD) tires. With an open differential, traction is really only limited to whichever tire breaks loose first.

If you've ever autocrossed with an open differential, you'll often find the inside driving tire will breaks loose powering out of a corner (the weight is on the outside tires). A lot of time can be lost this way as your ability to accelerate out of the corner is now limited because one of your driving tires is spinning away. With a LSD, both tires can pull/push you out of the corner. Note that an LSD is not required for performance driving -- Porsche 911s did not have them for the longest time, Lotus Elises, Exiges, Porche Boxsters and Caymans don't in base trim.

There are a few different types of limited slip differentials:

Torsen
-Lock wheels together when one starts to slip, disadvantage is that if one wheel is in the air, it acts like an open diff.

Clutch type
-Use clutch plates that slide against eachother (as many as 10+) to lock wheels together
-Multiple configs, most popular configs lock under torque, lock lightly under decel

Locker
-Wheels are locked together at a 1:1 ratio.
-Think drag cars, drift cars, welded diff.

Quaife
-I don't know how this type works

This is a great read on differentials and saves me the effort of typing out the details:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

[sventhemac]

Anyone here use a KAAZ?

Thinking about getting one.

[Accord2nrz]

What is a KAAZ?

[sventhemac]

Uber late reply, I apoligize.
KAAZ makes clutch style LSD's 1.5 and 2 way locking. Locks under accel and decel.
I have a two way from a drift car that was taken apart on the way to my house. Guy placed 5th in MBdrift I believe. I will ask and get back on that one.

[RPW00Mirage]

i've got an OEM MIVEC LSD in my grey mirage. makes a huge difference over the one tire fire in autocross.

the best part about OEM is no shimming to get it in there properly, and i only had to change over my final drive since i wanted the longer gear for daily driving.


in this illustration it shows as the "bevel ring gear" or final drive gear that i changed over.
http://members.rennlist.com/951_racerx/PS84_Diff1.gif

good explanation here with pictures -
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/quaife.htm


good explanation of AWC and ABS -
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/performance/e/awc.html

[sventhemac]

Thats the good thing about the one I bought. Its 4.08 vs the stock 4.28's I was even thinking about oing with some 3.76's out of a TT Supra Auto for better highway mileage. From what I remember don't you have to change the pinion also when Changing the ring gear?