[McRib 1s Back]

It's expensive, but I'm going to get one. I'd really prefer a clutch type setup. This one seems firmly entrenched, and our only choice.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Hey RodMoe, that all looks great!

Your photos were fantastic, too. It looks like you have this installation down nicely! Want to install mine?

Also, I'm sorry about that GT/CS (newer 2011?). I'm guessing that kissing a wall was involved there. :/

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Based on my own experience with both types of differentials (clutch type & gear type torque-sensing) I'd recommend the gear type any day. The downside of the clutch type is that they are designed to start slipping after a certain amount of torque is applied. In addition, the "limited slip" feature gradually becomes unlimited slip as the clutches wear.

I value your opinion, but it's not what my circle of friends tell me (including pro racers and team engineers). This isn't a criticism, but we should be careful to keep our comparisons straight. It's fine to like this diff, and I do too. It just isn't regarded as the ultimate setup (said, fully understanding most of us don't require that). A good clutch type is preferred in racing circles; this is a great street setup and probably where I'll start -- because I don't have a choice, yet.

I'm envious and really can't wait to do something for my open diff!

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Do you know the reason the clutch type is preferred by racers? Is it a strength issue?

I think it comes down to the ability to tune, easy rebuilds, and strength. Plenty of subjective "feel" stuff, too. Most of my cars have used Torsen (which is tops!) in RWD or AWD setups. A few cars have used simple viscous couplings (meh) and that's most common. OEMs have to worry about long term durability and stuff that's more about passenger car compromises rather than track performance.

FWD is one of those funky compromises, but here we are!

 

[McRib 1s Back]

I can understand the "racer " point of view on this, but I sure hope when I upgrade to an LSD I won't ever have to crack the case again to tune it or rebuild it. That's probably just wishing and depends a lot on how hard I use the car. So in my case I would think a gear-type unit is better ... more consistent for a longer time. The question I have is will Torsen be building one and will it be substantially different/better than the Quaife? I am seriously considering the Quaife at the moment.

That's a very reasonable outlook. I definitely don't want to badmouth Quaife -- many people are very happy with them. I don't have any personal experience with them. As mentioned in other posts, I may get one too. I know that it will be a vast improvement (even though I have friends that tell me not to settle for it).

I do know Torsen and other kinds of LSD systems. I also get an earful from my circle of friends about other options -- I've tried to be clear on what my opinions are first-hand, and the stuff that I share based on trusted opinions.

My absolute favorite gear-type LSD is Torsen; I mean the actual brand, not "equivalent"! I think that if Torsen did make one, it may cost quite a bit more. Again, a different type of system. They're comparable in function, but different in how they go about it. In short, the Torsen behaves like an open diff until it's needed (when the torque imbalance actually occurs). I've had Torsen in sports cars and rear-ends for offroad applications. I'm a big fan.

Edit:
Oh yeah, one nice advantage of clutch type systems (excludes all but one kind of Torsen)...
You get help when you put a wheel in the air! Gear-type systems essentially assume both sides are down to function properly.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

That was one question I had: how different are the Torsen and Quaife? I assume they both use patented technology, so must be some substantial difference in methodology. I had good luck with upgraded clutch diffs in my Mustangs, but that's a vastly easier unit to get at and maintain Also don't some units like the T2R have a preload so they can handle a wheel in the air?

They each have their secret sauce. The equally short answer for Quaiffe is that they choose to implement torque balancing progressively -- it's never "open" like a Torsen. They can arrive at similar final TBR #s. Yeah, the T2R was the exception I was thinking about from Torsen -- but have never run one personally. It does use a preload clutch for this very reason.