Rear Diff: Base vs OEM VLSD
 

Hey Guys,

Maybe guys with non sports pkg can chime in but I was under the impression that the base model came with an open diff aka the one wheel wonder. However, a member here told me that his non sports pkg came with a "VCD" differential which is just as good as the VLSD. In his defense, he's the only guy that explained his base rear diff out of all of the other people that I've asked so far. Can you clarify what kind of a rear diff the base model comes with? Thanks in advance.

There's NO "VCD" in base 370Z model. You get VLSD with sports package and that's it. Sports package can be added to both base and touring model.

Base or Touring 370Z without sport package = OPEN DIFFERENTIAL!


Base or Touring 370Z WITH sport package = VLSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential)

P.S. just curious, what the heck is VCD? Video Compact Disc? :wtf2:

Venereal Contracted Disease? ;)

lol i don't know. That's what i was told. Ok that's what i figured as well but had to make sure. Thanks AK!

Hey, while we are on the topic, is the housing on the two the same? Ie, can you upgrade the base model to a mechanical limited slip? This would give an inexpensive pathway to a track car if you planned to upgrade brakes, wheels, etc.

No sport package equals peglegging

If you put enough power through an open differential it will initially break loose both wheels, but in a cornering scenario it will most definitely have a tendancy to spin the unloaded wheel.

BTW a VCD is a Variable Centre Differential, something you have a AWD system, not a RWD.

the uk 370z broucher says the base model has a LSD, wonder why they did it like that?

In the UK their base isn't as basic as ours. For example their base model gets an upmarket stereo with blue-tooth, power seats, rain sensing wipers and LSD. There is no option for an auto in the base model.

The GT pack adds SRM (SRC) and the 19" Rays but they delete the spare. Sat Nav and 7-speed auto are a option in this trim.

The GT Ultimate has the GT stuff and adds Persimmon and Nav.

It all has to do with competition, the local consumer demands, and pricing the car accordingly.

There is a VCD or VDC (???) Button to the left of the steering wheel. I saw it when I test drove a base w/ no sport package. I pressed it and it seemed a little easier with shift transitions with it on. Don't know exactly what it does.

That's the electronic stability control (Vehicle Dynamic Control), nothing to do with the diff.

vdc is your traction control. not to be confused with an lsd.

:iagree:

thats the only thing I could think of when you guys were talking about VCD

Diff Options
 

Base 370Z models can add two better limited slip diffs:

Quaife type
1.5 LSD type

Nissan's are built like legos.

They've been putting R200's in cars since at least '83.
R200 simply means the base casing/internal parts.
There's short-nose and long-nose cases.
There's options out there. I haven't seen the half-shafts out of the 370, so I'm not sure what will directly swap.

I got the base model 370Z and I have been reading your comments about the vsld on the Z, some comments make sense and others are just not helpful at all, so I went to read my manual that came with my 370Zs. This car comes equipped with ABLS(active brake limited slip) that acts like a LSD, this sistem applies brakes on the spinning wheel and transfer power to the other and works even when the VDC it's off. The VLSD does the same......Am I missing something here???????
Also the sport package does not give better performance than the base model, bigger tires and wheels are heavier and it's harder for the car to roll them, 0-60 and handling are not better. Please check racing cars, they don't use 19 inches, the brakes are better that I agree but the rest it's pure BS, the Sport package looks better with the wheels on but it's actually a slower car, the AUTOMATIC it's also faster, from my point of view this it's just marketing BS from NISSAN to get your extra $3k. If I want better performance I will get the Nismo and I don't care if does not give me better numbers 0-60 but I know that I will get better handling and cornering because of the suspension.

That is interesting. I was also wondering about the rear end on non-sport models. What you say sounds correct because for the the car to offer VDC then the differential cannot be open, doesn't make sense.

I also agree with you about the automatic transmission and the 19's. I think an MT is much more fun to drive but we are at the point where these ATs can outperform them. I think it was motor trend that tested a Z with AT that was faster at 0-60 & 1/4 mile.

Now I have a question...Would it be worth it to swap out the sport OE LSD for an aftermarket LSD product? Is there that big of a difference in performance with a Quaife vs stock sport?
I've had a Quaife installed in a past GTI and loved it so I do know their products are good!

Be definition, an open diff takes the path of least resistance...so if you're spinning one wheel, it'll spin that one harder and harder until the drive lets off.

No amount of "initially" will break both wheels loose.

All my RWD cars/trucks have had open diffs - this is the first one that has something of a locking diff - and when it comes to wheel spin, it's a different beast. Much easier to get sideways!

IDK, I have a non sport pkg and I can lay 2 stripes.

Bringing this back from the dead. But to answer you're question NO. The only way is to upgrade it with one of these on this thread