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LSD worth it?
Trev Borg - 13/5/07 at 09:04 AM

I have english axle which I am going to alter some brackets on and while I messing with things was wondering about a LSD.

For the live axle it seems that you have to pay large sums of cash for an lsd!

So i was thinking, what has an lsd as standard? capri special and brooklands have the atlas with lsd, can this be used (still expensive to get hold off)

Is it worth getting one or not?

Will it make a great deal of difference?

arrybradbury - 13/5/07 at 09:13 AM

What are you going to use the car for?

omega 24 v6 - 13/5/07 at 09:17 AM

Atlas and english lsd's are not interchangeable AFAIR Expect to pay 3-4 hundred pounds for a second hand plate one for the english axle. If your only doing road runs I wouldn't bother with it.

Fatgadget - 13/5/07 at 09:18 AM

For a road car I wouldn't bother not unless one comes along cheap. Just perfect your left foot braking and you are sorted!

mookaloid - 13/5/07 at 09:22 AM

A LSD can make the car more tricky to control and is probably best left for track use.

There has been quite a lot of debate on here about this - try a search

Cheers

Mark

goodall - 13/5/07 at 10:03 AM

http://www.quaife.co.uk/Ford-English-22T-or-16T-spline-ATB-differential

much better in a road car as it gives a smother transition of power biasing better either output and fits straight in place of the existing diff

scutter - 13/5/07 at 10:27 AM

I'd have to agree with mookaloid, I changed my Capri plate LSD for an open diff as the unlocking action was too severe. Great for donuts and in the hands of a pro driver.

ATB Dan.

Memphis Twin - 13/5/07 at 11:40 AM

Unfortunately no English axled car was fitted with an LSD as standard. If it's needed for a road car - don't bother; if it's for a hillclimb car - yes you definitely need one!
Used ones go for about £300 new are £500-600

jacko - 13/5/07 at 03:25 PM

How about a old Jag axel ? my mate uses them in a grass track car
Jacko

Trev Borg - 13/5/07 at 05:08 PM

are they not a bit heavy ?

jacko - 13/5/07 at 07:05 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Trev Borg
are they not a bit heavy ?


Yes a bit but very strong

C10CoryM - 14/5/07 at 03:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Trev Borg

Is it worth getting one or not?

Will it make a great deal of difference?


If you are getting wheel spin, or over-drive cars (get tail happy) yes and yes.

The only thing that open differentials do better than a proper LSD is when you do spin a tire in a straight line, the car will stay straight because one rear tire is still rolling. The posi will follow the road because both rear tires are spinning.

Having said that, I will take a good LSD over an open diff any day because of the good points. Better traction off the line, out of the hole, and out of the corners. Another key thing is the LSD will be smoother when you are fishtailing. The open diff will switch power side to side as the weight transfers. Can make for some nasty snaps especially if you have body roll. The LSD is much smoother and easier to control.

I have owned lots of both, and several heavy, but powerful cars/trucks and I would opt for LSD every time. Besides, if you only leave one black mark on the road people will make fun of you

NOTE: There are different styles of LSD. Clutch/cone ones work well. Screw type or lockers are not what youre after.

david walker - 14/5/07 at 08:34 PM

Good posting from C10CoryM - read what he says Trev, good advice.

If you are going to run an Alfa V6 in a lightweight RWD car you are going to be spinning one wheel all the time with an open diff! If you aren't you aren't trying!

A further problem you may wish to consider is that you will develop a tendancy to break halfshafts - particularly if you use sticky tyres and an LSD.

An English axle, LSD and Quaiffe shafts aint cheap! - The Jag idea is a sound one.

NS Dev - 14/5/07 at 09:10 PM

Yep, but bear in mind you could use a 4HA axle from a reliant scimitar with jag powr lock diff in it (but check to make sure it has one in it first! )

Trev Borg - 14/5/07 at 10:20 PM

How bigs the jag axle then?

Which ones have lsd?

Would i be better off with a different gearbox too. (if anyone hasn't read any of the previous posts on this subject, i have just broke the long shaft tpye 9 and was planning to re-do the bellhousing we made)

whats the 4ha axle then ?

owelly - 15/5/07 at 08:05 PM

I can confirm that an Alfa V6 in a light RWD car is a bit of a handfull. I'm unsure if an LSD would make much difference as both the rear wheels were still spinning through third and I bottled it......with a normal diff. And the petrol tank bungied to the roll frame. And no bonnet, windscreen, brakes, seats etc....