I was wondering how good/reliable the factory LSD is found in the 06' R53 6 speed? Reason for my question - We own an 03' JCW 6 speed and of course it doesn't have an LTD Slip Diff. Worth installing a newer 6 speed with LSD trans in an earlier car? Just wondering if anyone has some insight regarding whether this swap is worth it? And how good the LSD(% of lock)/gear ratios are in the newer 6 speed. Or should I install an aftermarket LSD in my existing fully operational trans? Thanks for any insight.

 

I would just go with a Quaife in your existing trans for a few good reasons.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/quaife...ferential.html

1. the stock LSD is only a 25% lock and you need much more to really get it down like a torsen diff like the quaife

2. Swapping to the newer trans will also cause you to loose your cruise control, let alone cost more than just the diff.

3. the Quaife is by far the most reliable and not harsh option. Idea for a street driven car. I run one in my car and love it.

 

I own a Wavetrac LSD and I love it. Quaife is also a good choice.

 

Thanks for the insight and spec's on the OE diff Way. Were the gear ratios better in the newer trans? I have a line on a low mile 06' trans with the LSD option so I thought I should ask questions first. I don't mind the Quaife option as I had one in my old modified GTI 16V but for that there were no factory options.

 

I've always wondered what the gear ratios were for the SVT Focus as it shares the same trans.

Any LSD is better than an open diff. Although I'm not a fan of OBX Quaife Knock off diffs.

 

Gear ratios are the same as the early (pre July 2004) Mini's. The ratios were changed and made a little stiffer in about July 2004 for the 2005 MY.

I can post ( or PM) the ratios if there is interest.

Regards,
Jerry

 

1st Gen gear ratios can be found here.

 

I have a thread on this. There is no such thing as the better gear ratios. It is all trade off and your perspective and what you want.

 

Be careful now. Any link to NAM's competitions risks being neutered.

 

Very true. There is a third alternative for taller gearing, but it is not cheap.

Regards,
Jerry

 

That site has been "dead" for 6 years

 

1. Can the OEM LSD be modified to increase the lockup?
2. Why does the cruise control get lost? I do have 2 of those transmissions, to go into my 2 early R53s, if it makes sense. Should I swap all of the internals over?
3. I loved it the last time I had one in my first R53, but I did have too much gear whine. I figure that the diff bearings weren't set right. It might end up being the best option for me.

 

I ended up buying an 06' 6 speed with the LSD with 61K on it. I think the LSD and gear ratio change maybe a good addition to Kermit.