Can anyone one discuss the performance difference between a mechanical LSD like the Quaife LSD versus clutch-type LSDs like KAAZ or ATS? Obviously with a clutch pack LSD there is the possibilty of rebuilding the LSD if necessary, but other than that, is there a performance difference?
The clutch type have a genlter grab to them, however they will wear out just like the clutch on your car. The mechanical kind have a harsher grab that can at times hurt your performance. Thats about the limit of my knowlege on LSDs.
-Steve
jerrold… i hoping this means your keeping her =)
Hey DAY U IZ,
Wher did you come up with your statement?
Differential
The pedominant thinking on available types is that a softer suspention allows a worm gear type differential, Torsen to unload and allows wheel spin on corner exit, while a clutch type will be much more consistant for softer suspensions.
The factory ITR unit is a Torsen style differential. It really is a torque biasing assembly. The Quaife is also a Torsen style torque biasing differential. The difference is the preload spring washer in the center of the Quaife that makes it unique.
Torsen style diffs work by multiplying the torque (available traction) on the wheel with LESS traction and transfering that multiplied torque to the wheel with MORE traction. The problem is that if there is NO torque on one wheel (0 traction) the multiplied torque is still 0, and it acts like an open diff.
The Quaife preload spring washer creates an initial amount of torque (between the axle ends) that can be multiplied and transferred even with one wheel off the ground.
I use a Quaife in my GSR and have for a number of years.
Clutch type Differentials
2-Way Limited-slip
A limited-slip differential that delivers the limited slip effect during both acceleration and deceleration. Stabilizes vehicle attitude during braking, thereby permitting even harder braking. Delivers powerful traction during acceleration, but clearly makes turning more difficult.
1.5-Way Limited-slip
Reduces the limited-slip effect during deceleration while maintaining the full limited-slip effect during acceleration. This ensures powerful traction and, during braking, prevents excessive reduction in the force of the car attempting to turn. Free of quirkiness, this is a good all-around limited-slip unit.
1-Way limited-slip
This limited-slip activates the limited-slip effect only during acceleration, and so is suitable for fwd vehicles, which are difficult tu turn under any conditions. The absence of the limited-slip effect during braking makes it possible to maximize turning power. However, the tendency of the vehicle to lose stability during braking should be noted. The shortcoming of this type of limited-slip is that vehicle characteristics during acceleration change greatly when the accelerator is released to decelerate.
LSD Referance
http://www.quaifeamerica.com/
http://www.quaife.co.uk/info/links.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~jonaa/Torsen2.html
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MiataVLSD.html
http://www.kaazusa.com/index.html
http://www.a-t-s.co.jp/e-atshtml/frame.html
Marc can you give an example of a LSD for each one of the 3 categories you placed? And what may I ask is your profession (wondering if your knowledge/understanding comes from hobby or work).
Once again, Marc comes through with an amazing amount of knowledge.
archivethis
Jordan
Hey teg92,
To answer your question a KAAZ, ATS, Mugen… can be all three types. Almost every clutch type LSD can be set up to function as 1 way, 1.5 way or 2 way depending on clutch spring preload and actuation shims settings during installation.
Just enjoy taking mechanical things apart and putting them back together but wouldn’t want to make a living doing it. I am paid by a Canadian university to manage a computer network and multimedia lab for Japanese exchange students.
Mark, did you just copy all that off of Grand Turismo 3? 
I guess I was totally wrong. I’m going to bed now.
-Steve
Originally posted by DAY U IZ
[B]Mark, did you just copy all that off of Grand Turismo 3?
I guess I was totally wrong. I’m going to bed now.
-Steve [/B]
Hehehehe…dude your funny!
clutch type lsd’s are NOT the way to go on FWD - go with a quaife, honda(oem) or nothing