Drivetrain A few new mods for Vader
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 319
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A few new mods for Vader
A few weeks ago I decided that I needed a Quaife LSD for Vader since it is primarily a track car now. Since the labor tab isn’t cheap, I thought I should replace the clutch while it was apart. After talking with Will at Bob’s Tire and Auto, we came up with a list of other items that would maximize the labor effort. I waited until I had time to put the car on the track before posting this so I can give my opinion of how well the modifications meet my expectations.
The list:
Quaife LSD
Spec Stage 3+ clutch kit
Spec Lightweight flywheel.
Replacement Poly engine and steering rack mounts.
Alta PSRS - front control arm bushing replacements.
H sport comp front sway bar to match the rear.
The Good and the Bad:
Quaife LSD – How did I go so long without this! This made a huge difference powering through and out of corners. I’m sure that lap times reflect this improvement. It’s worth every penny.
Spec Clutch/flywheel – I’m still getting accustomed to the faster revving. Its streetable but still a bit grabby at the start. I'm still getting used to the new engagement point too. The Stage3+ has a sprung hub clutch disk and DOES NOT rattle at idle at all.
Poly bushings: Major improvement in removing the engine movement. Very smooth transition of on/off/on throttle. Hard to describe just how much smoother this is.
The bad side in I now have lots of vibrations finding their way into the interior. Most noticeable at idle, hardly so at speed but you can’t miss it at idle.
Alta PSRS – High speed braking was causing my car to wander a bit, back and fourth. Not violent but noticeable. With the PSRS, no movement at all and turn-in seems much sharper, effortless. I haven’t noticed any downside from these parts.
H- Sport comp sway bar – I can now adjust both front and rear and somehow, quite by accident, I have a setting that feels really good. No push and not tail happy either. It almost seemed that the entire car drifted instead of the tail-end coming out.
One other benefit that I noticed but can’t figure out which change is responsible is that the front tire wear is far more even now. Previously, I was experiencing ‘scalloping’ on the outer edges of the fronts. That has now disappeared. I ran some Toyo RA1s that were previously scalloped and they actually look better now than before! I think it may be the PSRS because the old bushings were shot and this could have caused the problem.
Summary: Mostly good. The only bad was the vibrations resulting from the new poly motor mounts. Not recommended for a street only car. Everything else was, for me, money well spent.
Shameless plugs:
Another kudos for Will at Bob’s Tire and Auto in Lewisville. Job well done! Thanks Will.
JSC Speed – a MINI vendor who advertises on NAM. Great prices on the Quaife, Spec clutch and flywheel, Alta parts and the sway bar. Shipped right away, no problems, no hassles. Thanks to Justin!!
The list:
Quaife LSD
Spec Stage 3+ clutch kit
Spec Lightweight flywheel.
Replacement Poly engine and steering rack mounts.
Alta PSRS - front control arm bushing replacements.
H sport comp front sway bar to match the rear.
The Good and the Bad:
Quaife LSD – How did I go so long without this! This made a huge difference powering through and out of corners. I’m sure that lap times reflect this improvement. It’s worth every penny.
Spec Clutch/flywheel – I’m still getting accustomed to the faster revving. Its streetable but still a bit grabby at the start. I'm still getting used to the new engagement point too. The Stage3+ has a sprung hub clutch disk and DOES NOT rattle at idle at all.
Poly bushings: Major improvement in removing the engine movement. Very smooth transition of on/off/on throttle. Hard to describe just how much smoother this is.
The bad side in I now have lots of vibrations finding their way into the interior. Most noticeable at idle, hardly so at speed but you can’t miss it at idle.
Alta PSRS – High speed braking was causing my car to wander a bit, back and fourth. Not violent but noticeable. With the PSRS, no movement at all and turn-in seems much sharper, effortless. I haven’t noticed any downside from these parts.
H- Sport comp sway bar – I can now adjust both front and rear and somehow, quite by accident, I have a setting that feels really good. No push and not tail happy either. It almost seemed that the entire car drifted instead of the tail-end coming out.
One other benefit that I noticed but can’t figure out which change is responsible is that the front tire wear is far more even now. Previously, I was experiencing ‘scalloping’ on the outer edges of the fronts. That has now disappeared. I ran some Toyo RA1s that were previously scalloped and they actually look better now than before! I think it may be the PSRS because the old bushings were shot and this could have caused the problem.
Summary: Mostly good. The only bad was the vibrations resulting from the new poly motor mounts. Not recommended for a street only car. Everything else was, for me, money well spent.
Shameless plugs:
Another kudos for Will at Bob’s Tire and Auto in Lewisville. Job well done! Thanks Will.
JSC Speed – a MINI vendor who advertises on NAM. Great prices on the Quaife, Spec clutch and flywheel, Alta parts and the sway bar. Shipped right away, no problems, no hassles. Thanks to Justin!!
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Ft Myers
Nice review. I had a Spec stage 2 on my Focus with clutch masters Flywheel and LSD from ford racing. Free'er reving is nice for downshifts i really wasnt impressed with the stage 2 they had for the focus but it didnt have that spring and chatter was verry noticeable. PSRS is something i have not heard anything bad about and im looking into getting it soon. Just so many things to buy and not enuff pay :( mabywe i should work 2 jobs temporarily and totally revamp the mini lol.
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