Which Diff?

Originally Posted by Z1Performance

That may well be - but I know when we have asked them, as well as the former importer of them, both said that only a couple of fluids were deemed "ok" by the factory - one was their own, the other was by Neo and I don't think was even offered in the US. I even had asked about Motul, since we use it alot, and was told "we don't know". Doesn't mean other stuff can't be used, just what they told me. Their new fluid is reasonably priced ($50 for a gallon, I always have it on the shelf, as well as Motul and OS Giken's fluids) it's just the short change intervals with the carbon based diffs that stinks

Originally Posted by B1nks

Was convinced by my girl to just keep the OS Giken and not worry about the money and get it installed because she knew I wanted it real bad. LOVE IT. Like Z1 stated with the open diff, Night and Day difference and I'm completely in love with it and SUPER stoked that I got the OS Giken. Worth the money and I don't get any of that clicking or grabbing that the one guy was saying with his, obviously bad, Nismo diff. Anyone thinking of getting this should, there really isn't any intrusiveness but definitely a noticeable difference in traction and where the power is being put. LOVE IT, thanks Z1.

Originally Posted by Z1Performance

to the OP

there is another thread that goes through the differences

The Carbonetics is a nice unit. Some (350Z's) have experienced issues with premature disk wearing, even using Carbonetics own fluid. I personally have never experienced it. The Carbon units they offer are not adjustable, so it does not allow for any customization now or down the road. That may or may not be an issue for you. They also require frequent fluid changes (every 3-5k miles) because the carbon dust from the disks contaminates the fluid. They are very smooth however and work well. You also are stuck using their fluid, so if you get it, stock up. We stock the diffs and the fluid BTW

Cusco - I've run one in my car since 2004 (I think...might be 2005!). It's a clutch type diff as well. It is adjustable from 1.5 to 2 way (2 way is for drift) and has 3 way adjustable lockup as well. With the right fluid, and the right setup (which IMHO is 60% lock, 1.5 way) it is nearly seemless. Mine makes zero noise. At a literal crawl at parking lot speeds you can slightly feel the inside wheel grabbing a touch...but you literally have to be crawling. At 5 mph, it's not present at all, for example. No special break in (no figure 8's needed!) and can use off the shelf fluid. Downside is there is a wait time for them (45-60 days at present). They are reasonably priced.

OS Giken - another clutch type diff, but has a bit of a different design. They are adjustable from OS Giken via diferent springs. Extremely careful tolerances means it is quiet and smooth. I've used them several times now on the 350Z's and they are unlike any clutch type LSD I've ever used. Higher cost vs the Cusco by a few bucks, but it's a drop in for base model cars on a 350Z and 370Z.

Quaife - top notch firm from the UK that has made diffs since forever. Theirs is a helical (gear) based unit. It is not adjustable at all, but it is literally so quiet and smooth, Nissan could have installed it from the factory and you would never thing it was aftermarket. A great street oriented unit. Works well for club type track days also, but not what I'd use on a full out race car.

Drexler - amazing unit but very spendy. Used by several high end OEM manufacturers, and many race teams worldwide

You can compare prices, specs, etc on our site if you like

Z-1 Performance Automotive Services Inc.

Given your conditions and needs/wants, I would select the OS Giken if this were my own car. My second choice would be Quaife.

Originally Posted by Z1Performance

All I can say is there is a 100% night and day difference between a Z with an open diff and one with a properly setup aftermarket LSD. To date, with all the work I have done to my car, I still think the diff is my favorite thing. I never peel out from stop signs - but I do enjoy backroads