Lots of LSD info/explanations and ?'s!! LONG!

[candela]

Ok I have been reading on this site for the most part-- for about 72 hours now. I have searched and searched and came up with a LOT of awesome info. I am going to attempt to put a lot of it into this thread for MY benefit as well as others using the SEARCH.

S14 LSD options: (1) various aftermarket companies such as Nismo, Cusco and Kaaz offering 1,1.5 and 2 way clutch type LSD's. Usually ranging from about $900-$1500 depending on company and type of lsd. These are available for both factory equipped VLSD cars and open diff cars as well. (2) bolting on/up a 95+ J30 lsd, an OEM s14 VLSD or a JDM silvia LSD because all have the same output shafts as ALL 240sx's (89-98 3x2 pattern) (3) is to use a pre 95 J30 VLSD, N/A z32 VLSD and even rumors of a Q45 VLSD (not sure thought) These two pumkins come with the 5-star shaped output flanges and thus WILL NOT be a straight bolt up for an s14...

S13 VLSD -- these are swappable to teh s14 and all that is needed is the swap of the rear cover from the s14 open diff to the s13 vlsd and the front mounts to be fabbed up. I am not as familiar with this, butfrom the info I have read: s13 diffs have solid mounts where as ALL others have rubber mounts 9front ones where bolts go through) As for the s13: if you want any of the above options than your original diff cover will need to be swapped over...everything else still applies.

Now for the pre 95 J30 diff you can either buy new output flanges that have the 3x2 bolt pattern (reason you can't use your own is because you have to have output flanges from another VLSD diff) put them in and use your stock axles OR you can simply accuire the pre 95 J30 axles and they will bolt up. This differential is about 1/4" longer (towards teh motor) than stock diff but will still fit just fine as the play in teh driveshaft will take it up and/or hang a tiny bit lower due to the increased angle. The J30 diff has something like a 3.96 final drive in the rear end which gives longer gearing. For those of us that are N/A it may not be a wise choice and we usually liek our gearign because we do not have the added power of a turbo. It is not a huge difference (~4%) overall, but is noticable. Those of us with turbo may love the fact we have a little bit more gear to display that power in and save a little more in gas as well :p

The N/A Z32 VLSD is the same as the pre 95; however the axles are longer. So the only real feasable (without shortening axles) is to use new output flanges. So..though these may be a good upgrade to some, it woudl have to be priced comparitively when compared to J30 lsd's (since axles are usually cheaper than new output flanges) since the cost of the new output flanges can set one back pretty far (~$150-300).

The TT Z32 diff CAN work just as the N/A diff will, accept its final ratio is 3.6xx which would pose very sluggish results on ANY N/A car and most likely NOT be worth it (to me at leist) unless you are making lots more power (and torque) to where you coudl benefit from it. If you are really conscerned about gas milage, want a high top speed and have--probably at leist 300hp-- enough power than it may be up your alley.

When I had my 91 SE' HB I bought a JDM 180sx VLSD from heavythrottle. I loved it and it seemed to be in good working order. I paid something like $450 shipped for it which I now realize is to much-- knowlege is power-- However it was from a "lower" milage rear cut. When these VLSD's tend to get lots of milage and/or abuse they wear as the fluid starts to lose its viscousity (sp?) and reacts slower and slower until it really doesn't work much better than an open diff (like my old 92' Talon). VLSD's may not be the "best" for drifting, bt IMO will be suitable for 75% of the people out there. If they are in pretty good shape they will get that booty out pretty easily.

Later on down the I helped a friend install a KaaZ 2-way in his 91' and it is MUCH more quick reacting to even my VLSD which is in good shape). Prepare for chattering and noises for a LONG while. Some clutch types do not really settle down for 6-12 months. I guess for drifting this is the best choice, but not what I have in mind for an all around driver (occasional drift session). I woudl have loved to opt for a nice KaaZ 1.5way but saving $700 and going with a VLSD can get you a LOT of other things as well.

I hope this helps some and helps me with feedback from others. The more feedback we have in single threads the easier it is for peopel to search and find info. Experienced VLSD/clutch/helical people with input on their particulay settups would be awesome as well! If there is ANY mis-information please feel free to correct me! This is to much so I am not going to edit this, but just hope I didn't F*** up to much. Thanks for reading... :ylsuper

[VA240]

You should add which vehicles the 4.36 ratio vlsd pumpkins came from. I'd like to know!

[SunshineAcid]

awesome post man, this cleared a lot of things up

[candela]

Quote »You should add which vehicles the 4.36 ratio vlsd pumpkins came from. I'd like to know![/quote]

I wasn't aware any cars had a 4.36 R/P. Could they possibly be from the older S12's? ANyone care to chime in on this? It would be a nice upgrade--especially if it has a viscous coupling-- if one is staying N/A

[Luke]

I have an issue of Sport Compact Car where they have "25 pages of silvia tech". They talk about engine swaps, they give a guide to installing an rb25det into an s14, or whatever.

Anyways, I just wanted to add that Quaife makes a Helical LSD. They have a guide in there on installing that on their silvia project.

[VA240]

Some JDM 180sx cars had a vlsd with 4.36 final drive. http://www.xatracing.com/nissanBTsr20det.html

The R32 Skyline series had the vlsd with 4.36 final drive available.http://www.skylinesdownunder.c...id=43

OK NICO, who can source these 4.36 vlsd units so I can buy one?

[VA240]

RB20DE Auto and 5 sp = 4.363:1 RB20DET (2wd) Auto and 5 sp = 4.363:1 RB20DET (4wd) Auto and 5 sp = 4.375:1

Diff code is RC43

[Project240]

So, OK, I know this has probably been asked and the answer is in a thread here somewhere, but I can't find a specific answer. Can I use a JDM S13 180SX VLSD in my open-rear 92 240SX coupe? I know it's a bolt-in, but the 180SX VLSD I'm looking at only comes with the diff itself and the half-shafts, it DOES NOT include the pumpkin. Do I need the pumpkin or can I use my stock one??

[candela]

basically yes, but thats because you need the output shafts for the VLSD diff.

Thanks for adding that VA240!