Open diff or LSD for AutoX
 

I do more AutoX then full up track events and I was wondering what kind of difference a LSD will make on a AutoX course? I have a base model so i still have an open diff and I compete in ASP.

Hopefully a true lsd will help a lot. Plan on going with an OS Giken myself this next winter mod season.

night and day, prolly the biggest performance upgrade in a auto x situtation next to better tires

You're going to have a hard time nailing those corners consistentntly without one.

I personally think tires make a bigger difference. I switched from stock advan sports to hoosires. dropped my time by 3.5 sec. I doubt the money you spend on a OS Giken will drop your time that much. hoosire A6's $260 a pop. os giken $1k plus install= unk difference in time. Just my opinion and experience, yes better handling with LSD but you can 100% tell the difference in the drop in time.

Completely agree on the tires making the biggest difference. Between the stickiness and switching from an staggered front and rear setup to 295's all around it was the most noticeable change I've made.

IMHO the rank of autox mods is tires->sway bars->shocks->then who knows.

Master, what size A6's you running that are only $260 a piece?

For 275/35/zr18 it was a memorial day sale. just looked now they are $341 now at tire rack. That sucks but still tires are more bang for the buck hands down. Next time your at an auto X ask around and then look at the guy who has the fastest car and look at his tires.

That sounds more like it. I'm running 295/40-18 A6's currently but will have to find a different size since hoosier discontinued the 295/40's.

Also when it comes to the fastest car at the event I have no problem with that. My region is full of national level trophy winners past and present. It was real nice last year with Alex Jones and his ASP solstice as a benchmark to shoot for (he's gone to FP now).

i said, "LSD prolly the biggest performance upgrade in a auto x situtation next to better tires"

So im saying as well, tires make the biggest difference, and a upgrade LSD from a Open diff comes second. Sorry if my wording was not clear

Agreed with all of the above, tires are a big deal.

However I'm not particularly sold that tires are cheaper than an LSD. Benefits aside, $1300 (more or less with mount, balance, etc) tires will last you 3 track events (give or take) if you're riding them hard; where as an LSD (OSG for example) has about a $2400 (all in; misc parts, install, everything) initial cost and then $100 oil change every 15k miles. If you're looking at one track event, sure tires, excellent investment. If you're doing a lot of track events? You're probably going to spend a lot more on tires than you are on an LSD. That's my thought in terms of cost.

That said, you want to be fast? Probably good to have both. This game gets expensive. I hate the saying "you gotta pay to play" because it's often used as a copout reason to make you buy stupid ****, however, you do have to pay for quality and reliable speed.

Damn i didnt see your post my bad. I cant vouch for a new LSD but i was going to order coilovers and sways next, i have a better feel for what needs improvement.

This game is expensive yet so fun. my wife says its expensive but every time i upgrade something, after the cool down period she is happy. :tup:

Making the dive for a new LSD is hard for alot of people cause it doesnt seem like your getting as much as other parts performance wise. But whenever a friend of mine finally takes the plunge they always say " i shouldve done that sooner" LOL

For tires I am running Advan AD08's 275F/295R. They have been great so far but I don't want to step up to slicks until I get more experience. How long do the clutches last in the OS Gilken units? Sounds like a LSD may be next years project before suspension.

not sure how long they last on the OS giken, not really sure on my Cusco either LOL. next year though ill prolly order some fresh clutch plates and have them WPC treated like my current ones just so i have them on stand by

You will probably go faster with slicks, but the car will probably feel better with the LSD even though your lap times won't show it.

really depends on the scenario, from on track testing ive been involved with over here at Buttonwillow raceway park in socal, A properly setup Clutch type LSD on a 2WD car is anywhere from 1 to 2 seconds faster then a torsen gear type LSD on a 2 min average lap time track. Compared to a open diff the time improvement should be more. Of course slicks over stock tires would prolly be a 4-5 second improvement, but good diff AND good tires would be a huge jump.

That's what I meant. LSD is faster than the open diff, but the slicks help your times way more.

Once I get more consistent I will step up to slicks but for now I need to get better on street tires. I am having a lot of fun in ASP right now.

Tell ya what else is expensive, those damn $200.00 bottles of face cream from macy's and Nordstrom's. lmao.

OSGIKEN Ftw
Inside wheel spin sux
;)

OS giken are really good and smooth, also the off the shelf settings are more then fine for most. Easy to install and just get out there and be happy. I have the Cusco RS 1.5, the off the shelf settings are too aggressive in my opinion, but when setup different it's quite nice. Also the cusco can be dissasembled and tuned in your garage, OS giken's need to be spent out to them to be retuned

OSG FTW. Love the 100% lock and 50% lock under deceleration the most. Mine has never made one peep. Always use there fluid though.

I need to find somewhere to get it installed. I have never installed a diff before. Having a base car will make things easy though! I will finish out this season and probably order the OS Gilken over the winter. How often do you have to change the clutches in it?

As far as they're concerned you should never have to rebuild the clutch.

Superior Overall Performance

- The OS LSD standard spec allows for low preload while still retaining a fully progressive 100% lock capability; basically, the vehicle will feel like driving on an open diff in slow turns / street driving, but can still transmit maximum power to the drive wheels under load.
- Operation is ultra quiet, and the progressive locking allows for smooth, predictable locking. Especially when replacing an open diff, equipping OS LSD will completely improve the driving experience while maintaining everyday drivability.
- Due to the precision manufacturing, high-grade materials, and unique design, a break-in period nor rebuild is required for OS Giken LSD’s. OS LSD is purposefully over-engineered to offer the best performing, most durable clutch-type LSD available.
- Aside from the performance advantage and stock-like feel at slow speeds, vehicles equipped with OS LSD are more stable in all road/weather conditions, allowing for a safer driving experience.
Product

I have heard horror stories about clutch style LSD's from the local club but no one runs OS Gilken parts. I need to deploy again so I can save up for more parts! Looks like this will be before my new suspension and I need to see of I change classes. I like ASP but if this puts me into modified then so be it!

If my LSD fails the forums will be the second to know, I'll be crying to my mechanic first. lol

lsd's are ASP legal. I plan on doing this mod this coming winter.

Finding a good installer will be my biggest challenge. There is one near me that deals with the local exotics and GTR's that I know does great work. Otherwise it's a road trip to Dallas

I autocrossed in my base model last season and it SUCKED! 1 wheel wonder around every corner. Couldnt power out of anything and really fuzzy through slaloms even if holding RPMs. Upgraded to an Quaife LSD and I could already tell the night and day difference. Traction is MUCH better even on my crap tires I have on now. I got moved from ASP to FP class cause I also installed 4.08 gears. I won't be all too competitive but it'll be fun! Car is going to be a whole different beast from last season though. 4.08 gears, Quaife LSD, Project Mu brake pads, dialed in camber settings, some weight reductions and last but not least, a brand new set of the BFGoodrich Rivals in a 275/35/18 fronts and a 295/35/18 rears :tup:

Don't feel bad, the OEM LSD is not much better, we still do a lot of one wheel peel out

You definitely want someone that knows what they are doing to install it. I am no mechanic but am old enough (39) to have dealt with some transmission issues. The Giken lsd is f0ck1ing fast. But have it installed properly. Find the right people and pay them.

I think you might find out with the shorter tires and the 4.08 gears that you will need to shift into 3rd a lot at an autocross, which is a real time killer.

Get it done near you as there is a significant chance you will have some whine and you will need to take it back in for adjustment.

I don't plan on competing seriously for quite some time. For now this is just a fun hobby and to keep my aggressive driving habits somewhere safe :tup: And of course the friendly competition against friends. I'll be the 1st to admit my driving skills is no where near enough to push the car to its limits from how I'm building it up. Might as well have it ready by the time I'm ready though :roflpuke2:

There is a local shop that the gtr guys in the local club recommended me too. I am going to call them and see if they will do the install. I figure I will need the diff, the new axles and seal kit (i have 27k miles right now) plus their diff fluid.