Topic: Quaifes for $500 right now

[VinnieRL]

You know, I've done a lot of reading on these for the FWD GTP I built and they were the only LSD that held up the the TQ of the high HP cars.

I haven't read a lot about their use on the Kappa and mainly wasn't interested when they were $1,000-$1,200.  Now that they're $500 I'm really considering picking one up.

What are the thoughts of those out there that have them?  What kind of driving do you do?

I'm thinking it'll really come in handy when I'm in a straight line and go WOT in 2nd.  Right now that situation will have the tires spinning by 4,000RPMs and I'm wondering if this will keep the traction through the gear into 3rd.

[Critterman]

Where did you find them for that price?  I was under the impression they had quit manufacturing them for the kappa

[VinnieRL]

eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331530969640?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[VinnieRL]

Here as well:

http://www.autotech.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=57-309-130

[POS VETT]

Quaife differentials are the "torsen" type. While the concept seems sound, the application may leave you scratching your head. I'd rather have a clutch-type that's "tightly wound"; it offers a more satisfying result over "torsen".

[2kwk4u]

Quaife differentials are the "torsen" type. While the concept seems sound, the application may leave you scratching your head. I'd rather have a clutch-type that's "tightly wound"; it offers a more satisfying result over "torsen".

How so?  Can you please expand on what you mean by "satisfying result?"  Is one better for tire smoke and straight line launches, whereas the other is better for getting into the throttle out of a corner?

[POS VETT]

Torsen-type won't transfer torque when one tire is up in the air. It is true that, with a proper suspension set up, a car would not encounter such condition in a road course or even in an autox and a Torsen would work just as well. However, I like to think about contingencies, in the case one tire being up in the air, or very close to, a Torsen would have lost its capability to transfer torque.

A clutch-type is almost always a better solution in on-road conditions, granted that there is enough training or skills to utilize it. It does require periodic maintenance (long interval) and the fluid requires friction modifier. Another advantage is that a clutch-type can have a bias during acceleration and deceleration. When "wound up tight", it acts almost like a spool without the tire skip and chatter at the largest steering angles.

In my years of autocrossing a C5 Z06 and a C6 Z06 Corvettes, I become used to and enjoy the clutch-type and despise the viscous-type. For straight-line only and strictly for drifting, I wouldn't use anything but a spool due to its rigid and uncomprimising torque delivery. As a bonus, there is no spinning heavy differential carrier, clutch packs, and other gears, plus a spool has zero maintenance.

In addition, if a torsen is all that available or the only one that withstand abuse, then there is no other choice. It's still a whole lot better than an open differential.

[VinnieRL]

So it sounds like the Auto-x and winter weather drivers would want to stay with the stock LSD, but the straight line and Fairweather drivers would benefit from its capabilities.

[wspohn]

I think that the stock LSD is generally preferable and I agree with Pos Vett - I have run a variety of diffs in my race cars overthe years (currently have a Quaife in the car).  If your suspension set up is optimal you can avoid 'lift off' but it is still a factor.

I ran a welded locker for years - makes it a pig to push around the track and an understeering pig in the rain, but is very manageable when sliding through corners.

[VinnieRL]

My driving style can be described as spirited Street but I do enjoy a 1/4 mile run from time to time. This is where am hoping to see the benefit of the torque biasing. With the rear end being as light as it is already I'm hoping for improved straight line traction.

[POS VETT]

My driving style can be described as spirited Street but I do enjoy a 1/4 mile run from time to time. This is where am hoping to see the benefit of the torque biasing. With the rear end being as light as it is already I'm hoping for improved straight line traction.

Wait a minute, are you talking about Torsen in a FWD?

[VinnieRL]

No, it's. Sky RL.

[Gentleman Jack]

My driving style can be described as spirited Street but I do enjoy a 1/4 mile run from time to time. This is where am hoping to see the benefit of the torque biasing. With the rear end being as light as it is already I'm hoping for improved straight line traction.

The rear ended weights the same as the front end. It isn't exactly light.

[VinnieRL]

I understand the weight distribution, I was referring to the actual weight on the rear end to assist traction.

[Gentleman Jack]

Ok. Wasn't sure.
I never thought of the kappa as light. It's kind of a pig of a roadster.
But, in terms of assisting traction I guess.

[VinnieRL]

It arrived today.

[VinnieRL]