Tomei 1.5 way LSD with 3.9 Final Drive Ratio Review

Chasedixon21

Hey guys, so I don't see much talk about these on here I'm gonna go ahead and give my unbiased opinion so that it might help someone down the line. Long story short I have owned 2 350z's before my 370z, both of which were models equipped with LSD. My 370z is a base model...no LSD as I found out after trying to drift an turn and ending up in ditchAfter that I knew I needed LSD so I began searching, found the cheapest option, which happened to be the Tomei. Saw that it came with 3.9 final drive ratio for less than other differentials without the gears so it was no brainer.

Getting it installed: this was fairly easy just need to order to "Carrier bearings" from Nissan, don't have the part number sorry.

Break in: 30 minutes of doing figure eights in a parking lot introduce you to the "Clutch" in clutch type differential. This LSD will dramatically change the way the car handles. You will be able to feel the wheels locking and unlocking. This will be a deal breaker for most, but some will be able to put up with it and eventually learn to drive it at slow speeds normally without the wheels hopping or the diff popping when the clutch engages and disengages the lock.

The 3.9 gears: My god what a difference. This might be the most slept on mod "bang for buck" wise this blows an exhaust and intake out the water. I am putting busses on other FBO z's,3.8 genesis, I am even pulling on the new 400hp 3.0tt q50's...up until the top of 3rd then that boost hits. Regardless the fact that this simple mod, as well as, Berk HFC and AAM Shorty's allows me to be pulling with a 400 hp twin turbo'd car speaks for itself.

Daily driving: This will take some time getting used especially the turning because the LSD is a clutch type LSD you will feel this in the steering wheel and how the car behaves. However, what you will also notice is the sense of security this LSD provides while driving, especially in wet conditions. This car went from being a death trap as an open differential to a safety net with this LSD. In the pouring rain I don't have any traction issues doing 80mph on the highway, with old tires! The LSD acts like traction control by itself, combine that with the 3.9 gearing and you have a car that can take any corner and attack it on approach and exit. Versus the base model car you started with that wants to spin out in a circle while cornering... just my two cents since no one really goes this route .

osbornsm

Great write up, and thanks.

...but you know we have a drivetrain section, right?

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markesc

Awesome thank you for sharing!

I have my heart set on that wavetrac z1 sells, but it' down the list on mods...just learning to drive within the limits of the sport diff.

Optimiser

I have a Cusco clutch type LSD with the 4.08 final drive ratio. Clunky but highly effective.

Chasedixon21

Lmao i do but i didnt even think about it, i was just like lemme just write this up before i forget to do it all together. If a moderator feels it would be more useful to move this to the drivetrain/differential section then by all means.

Chasedixon21

Lmao yea "clunky" is the perfect word, However once that clutch locks and both wheels are engaged its all worth it.

Chasedixon21

Yea if i could do it again i would probably get the wave track or a viscous LSD just for the oem drive quality. Performance wise this thing is on another level though, my 370z is now a drift car by nature, and i dont have to worry about it ever breaking these things are bullet proof. The wave track might have smoother operation but the 3.9 gearing that comes with this LSD set up is LIFE

RadioFlyer

I have a Cusco on my other car, and a Wavetrac on my G37 (also with a 3.90 R&P). Both are awesome. I'm very familiar with the clunking of a clutch-type LSD. But wanted to mention that if your clutch-type diffs are clunking, throw a tube of Trans-X LSD Additive in it and it will make it completely silent. You're welcome.

wrxrcr

Looking at a Tomei lsd, when you say drift car that kind of turns me off of this lsd. I am looking for one for track/autox, street tires. I know you can add friction modifier to the diff to reduce lock up. Anyways, what are your impressions after 5 months?

SS_Firehawk

I have a wavetrac and 4.08's. It's a great combo. I'm just wanting more RPM to go with the gearing.

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Quicksilvers

Very nice write up great job.