Nissan VLSD swap or aftermarket LSD??

[Darius]

In the distant future, I'm looking to swap an RB25 into my S14 and heavily modify it. My goal is 500+ hp and I am wondering if the Nissan VLSD for the 240SX and NA 300ZX is tough enough to withstand this kind of power reliably? I'm taking things step by step and figure that an LSD is something I can buy ahead of time.

[180fan]

If it's a distant future, go with the vlsd for now. It'll be more than enough to handle what you'll be throwing at it and doesn't seem to lose its resell value when you're looking to upgrade. If you're going to go aftermarket, the 2 ways are pretty noisy. There was a guy about 20 miles from where I am who sold his nismo because he didn't like how it made noise in parking lots and basically everywhere. The Kaaz I've also seen are pretty noisy too. Cusco ones aren't too bad but still noisy but they do cost fat $$$. For now I'd recommend getting the vlsd.

[IveBeenBad]

The main problem with the VLSD is that it doesnt respond to loss of traction until AFTER you lose it.

[undertaker]

i have a R33 VLSD in my RB25 silvia and it didn't take me very long to kill it (losing LSD effect). it was second hand but i would look at a serious mechanical LSD for your application.

[karay240]

Yea, the VLSD should work ok for your average drag racing needs, but when it comes to sliding around corners, I'd definately get a mechanical one.

True, they're loud, but so is a 500hp RB, and the clutch that'll reliably handle that much power, right? lol. I think that the mechanical LSD is THE way to go.

BTW, does anyone know if anyone makes a TORSEN LSD for the 240? I'm just curious.

[IveBeenBad]

Yea, the VLSD should work ok for your average drag racing needs, but when it comes to sliding around corners, I'd definately get a mechanical one.

True, they're loud, but so is a 500hp RB, and the clutch that'll reliably handle that much power, right? lol. I think that the mechanical LSD is THE way to go.

BTW, does anyone know if anyone makes a TORSEN LSD for the 240? I'm just curious.

either the kaaz or quaife is torsen cant remembber which

[Luke]

kaaz is clutch type, quaife is helical, as far as i've been told

[D-UNIT]

The quaife diff is torsen style. Pretty much unbreakable.

[karay240]

Really!? So that's why their so expensive for being demostic. I might have to look into that. . .

[Hijacker]

the thing about the VLSD is that it acts like an open diff when you enter a turn and then gives you your traction as you start demanding it.

[D-UNIT]

Really!? So that's why their so expensive for being demostic. I might have to look into that. . .

Well.... I wouldn't say unbreakable indefinatly. But their warraty says it all " Please race , abuse , drag or anything with our diff. If you can break it we want to see it. If it is due to diff failure from racing it will be replaced.... For Life!!

The only bad thing about torsen style (Quaife) diffs is that they are torque sensing. Which means it is only a 1-way diff. So no diff action when decelerating. +Oh yeah , and they are very quiet and super smooth.

[karay240]

I know the TORSEN diffs are quiet and smooth. That's Y I was contemplating getting one. I'm not very knowledgeable on the torsen, however, the majority of the stuff I've heared or read about was very positive. I was not aware that they were only 1-way. . . I guess I never really thought about it, 'cause if you stop and think about it, when you're off the gas, there's no torque. . . making if an open diff in off throttle situation. . . ahhh! decisions decisions. lol.

[Darius]

So if I'm buying a Quiafe, does that mean I have to disassemble my current differential case and install the new LSD in there?

If so, how hard is this to do and do you need any special tools?

[180fan]

do not try to install a diff yourself unless you're familiar with tolerances and have the proper tools to do the job. Messing with a diff takes pretty precise tools and those cost quite a bit. Take it to a machinist to get the job done properly otherwise you'll risk damaging more than just your diff.

[got_boost702]

not try to steal the topic but Im also looking for a LSD but ont wanna pay for aftermarket, so would a R200 diff werk on my 95 240 with sr20. Oh and would s13 hubs bolt right up on my car also.

THx

[180fan]

yeah the r200's will work on your car. The s13 hubs should work if you're a 4 lug although I'm not too sure why you'd switch an older part with an older bearing into your car.

[D-UNIT]

So if I'm buying a Quiafe, does that mean I have to disassemble my current differential case and install the new LSD in there?

If so, how hard is this to do and do you need any special tools?

YES.....

You'll need a slide puller to pull the output shafts. A solid vise would help but not nessesary.

There is really not that much drama to it at all. All you have to do is put your orignal ring gear on the new diff. Use ARP fasteners for safety. The most vital part of the install is you need to make sure you reinstall the bearing shims exactly how they came out. Left and right , the skinny and the fat ones etc. Mark them good. If you don't your gears will turn into shredded wheat.

[drift_trd_ae86]

i dont know about nissans but on ae86 its not noise you worry about w/ 2 way its the snapping of the axels after much abuse, but again thats a corolla so i dont know

[DGA]

Hey, Sport Compact Car put a Quaife in their 240. Not that hard at all. Your biggest worry is the engagement between the ring gear and its input gear. Any manual will describe the procedure for you. With a little patience and prep you will be fine.

Project Silvia is putting out about 280 hp to the wheels. I know that is half of what you want but anyways the procedure is the same. Also clutch type wears out. Here is the link to SCC and the way that they did it. Fairly straight forward procedure with a little prep work. http://www.sportcompactcarweb....ivia/ Have fun.

[SilviaS14KA24DE]

Tomei are good LSD's. Loud I hear though because of two way.

[karay240]

I'm pretty sure the Nismo (the older one), Tomei tech. trax, and the KAAZ are pretty much the same since they are all made by KAAZ. The newer Nismo ones are different, and MUCH improved (that's the concensus of everyone I've talked to).

[Darius]

The article DGA posted suggests using a "plastic-faced, dead-blow hammer" to knock the output shafts out of the differential. What exactly is that and is it necessary? Can't you just pry the output shafts out with a bar?

[coupe4me]

I have an R200 diff for sale. email [email protected] if interested. I was asking 300 but will consider offer if serious.

[D-UNIT]

I'm pretty sure the Nismo (the older one), Tomei tech. trax, and the KAAZ are pretty much the same since they are all made by KAAZ. The newer Nismo ones are different, and MUCH improved (that's the concensus of everyone I've talked to).

IF they do have a new style diiff. it must be helical (quaife style). I know the S15 is pretty new and it uses a helical diif. If it is so good , you have your answer right there.^^

[D-UNIT]

The article DGA posted suggests using a "plastic-faced, dead-blow hammer" to knock the output shafts out of the differential. What exactly is that and is it necessary? Can't you just pry the output shafts out with a bar?

No

It is a wooden hammer with yellow and white plastic tips. Used for whacking the smack out of something and not leaving damage.I'm sure that is a good way to get them back in. But that is no way to get them out. You'll need a slide puller (hammer). Nah , I bet their way could work too.

[karay240]

No, the new nismo diff is not helical. It's the same clutch type, but with bigger facing on each induvidual clutch. More smooth operation, and what-not. Supposedly, the GT improved leaps and bounds compared to the previous SSS model. I'm probably settling for the cheaper KAAZ unit until I win the lottery. lol.

[D-UNIT]

really...haha the kaaz one is like 850. that is a solid one. the catch is that you have to use their expensive diff oil or no warraty.

[DGA]

Quaife, or Pelquin. Same design. Helical. Not sure if Pelquin makes any for the 240sx, but if they do they will come complete with everything, and be a little cheaper than Quaife, but still having the same warranty and from what I have heard be slightly better quality. One way or the other, you would not have to worry about any expensive fluid, and still pay about $850. I almost got one for my former '01 GTI.

[candela]

Quote »V dont know about nissans but on ae86 its not noise you worry about w/ 2 way its the snapping of the axels after much abuse, but again thats a corolla so i dont know[/quote]

They have solid rear ends buddy

I would really love to hear more about the quaife because a helical is where its at IMO. It is very nice to have a 1.5-2way for braking but not very often will I ever find myself using that feature (auto-x, drift, drag, DD)... and I do NOT have ABS either.

I have been trying to find out any advancements on the s15 diff working, but noone seems to update/finish the project. I wonder what it woudl take ot reliably put a s15 diff in our housings.

Darius- I think that a helical lsd (quaife) in your case is probably yoru best best for that kind of power reliably. IF big meets and a good clutch are in the works you may also consider a one peice driveshaft. 500+wp is something I can even imagine in a 240sx.

Viscous units wear out pretty quickly. Mine (dsm and s13) both seemd to just lose reaction after the miles packed on. This is with proper fluid changes to. Clutch types wear out to, and though not expensive to replace... I just don't know if the issues with driving one daily and rebuilding after a while is somethign I would want to deal with. My friends KaaZ 2-way has quieted down a little (took about 3 months), but its still just crappy driving slow speeds and turning ANY degree cause of the break away point.... <-- also at 100% lockup (don't ask me why he didn't just weld his stock diff)

[D-UNIT]

Here you go read up. Also make sure you check out the warranty at the bottom of the page. The only bad thing about it is the price. About $1120

http://www.quaifeusa.com Click on ATB differentials!!

My favorite part is that it adds power to the outside wheel when cornering. In other words the tire that would normally be slipping (not getting power) is now the one gripping and burning out.