Limited Slip

[Zrush]

Our Z cars originally have one drive wheel. I've installed the MSA limited slip differential on my 77 280Z. It seems that when I punch it both wheels grab, like a posi rear would do. I know what limited slip is but would like a professional explaination as to how this type chunk works.

thxz

[Alfadog]

This is one of hte many questions addressed in great detail by www.howstuffworks.com - try there and it'll teach you all about LSDs

[Gav240z]

On the topic of diffs.

I can get my hands on a 4.4:1 diff but it's a locker. From the picture of what another member showed with a locker the welds seem to be unreversible.

Seeing as I have little knowledge of a diff I am wondering can I use this 4.4 ratio and convert it to LSD?

I have heard a locker is no good for cornering and that's no good since I love corners .

But the acceleration

[HKSZ]

Lockers weld a plate into the spider gears, so you could still use the 4.4 ring gear and pinion to make a LSD

I use a locker in my 1600 circuit car, they corner better than an open diff which picks up the inside rear wheel (spins) but they push more out of the corner than a LSD so you have to adjust your sway bars.

I think the biggest problem with lockers is trusting the guy who locked it up

If they let go, think of travelling at 100kph and pulling the handbrake on one wheel.

.......could be the fastest corner you ever take

steve

[Gav240z]

From my limited knowledge this is what I had thought.

The 4.4 ring gear would certainly make it rocket and maybe I'll put the locker in there while I save the money to make her a LSD .

:classic:

[frank13]

Don't do it Gav! sorry HKSZ, but lockers are for DRAG RACING! Not Cornering. Gav You will not like the results. Lockers can be made by different companys. Under different types of methods to LOCK both axles. Spools, Detroit lockers, etc. etc. YOU WILL NOT GET THE expected results going in to or coming out of a corner that you might be thinking of Gav. Lockers are good for going STRIGHT! No wear and tear on LSD clutch plates and the such for high horsepower trips DOWN THE STRIP @ a 1/4 or 1/8th at a time! HKSZ I have never heard of any one using a locker for Racing in any thing other than Drag racing. What other modification and how did you set up your sway bars to counter the effects of a LOCKED DIFF coming out of a corner at speed? :devious:

[Zvoiture]

>>>I have never heard of any one using a locker for Racing in any thing other than Drag racing.<<<

Well, then...you should listen more. Fairly common in road racing, actually.

steve

[2ManyZs]

People have been using locked or welded rears (usually welded as it's dirt cheap) in road racing for years, and many continue to do so. I ran one for 4 years because I didn't have the budget for an LSD at the time, and the car is still racing with the same rear today.

They are not good in the wet, but on dry pavement, you can tune the suspension to compensate, although, it's a lot easier if you have adjustable coil-overs.

Softer bar in front, or a stiffer bar in the rear can compensate for the push somewhat, but changing the spring rates will do as much if not more to compensate. Usually softer in the front and stiffer in the rear.

Since most people can't do these adjustments on a street car, you will be better off with an open diff until you can purchase either an LSD or a Quaiffe unit. If I were you Gav, I'd see if I could find a used open diff and just swap the ring and pinion.

[Gav240z]

It's the 4.4 ratio that I really want from it. From some videos of cars I've seen trying to corner at high speed with a locker they just understeer and end up locking up there brakes.

I was told parking in a Z with a Locker isn't so bad for some reason but yeah I've always wanted the LSD anyway so it would be the way I do go.

Not sure we will see the main reason I was gonna buy it was the price. $250 or so and to me that was pretty cheap for a normal diff. :classic:

[frank13]

As this thread started with the mention of LSD's and not full out locked diffs, my reply was directed at what would seem to be a street driven Zed. Gav? Not a full out road race car. HKSZ Mentioned a friends 1600 circuit car? Regardless of it's "fairly common in road racing" Zvoiture, it is not for the street. If me and my friends are using them for the 1/4 mile on cars that either get trailered there or not driven in the tight twisties then that means lockers are not for the street. 2ManyZ's, thank you for the quick break down on the suspension. Gav is that $250 in AUD's? :devious:

[Gav240z]

yeah AUD but yeah a LSD seems like a much better option even if the car only see's the road and not the race track.

[frank13]

I agree the LSD is IMO the best for the street. Acks like A locker in the straights or under heavy loads (ride nasty launches!). But leaves the diff open for going around corners. Which is what the open diff was developed for. Back in the olden days there wasn't open diff and the solid axles would not last long. Any way $250 in AUD's is a bit less in USD's, so it would seem like a deal for the ring gear set. :devious: