Just trying to get an idea of what type of problems anyone has run into on the stock LSD setup. I know it's relatively new, but if anyone has the stock LSD system and has quite a few miles on it, let me know. Also, those who have put the Quaife or any other LSD system on, have you seen any problems with that as well? And if so, how many miles??

thanks

 

There is a lot to the question, and I don't have a LSD of my own (yet!) to refer specifically to from everyday experience, but I can give some general insights:

1) There are very few LSD _problems_. The Phantom Grip, a pseudo-LSD, is popularly considered an LSD lite. It needs "tuning up" every so often to replace the springs, which wear. The factory and Quaiffe are warranted for [4 yrs] and lifetime, respectively, because traditional LSDs are rarely ever known to fail.

2) That said, there are occasional problems with the LSD when people first experience a FWD car with one. Most people are not used to the 'revised' throttle response and handling characteristic. I've heard it referred to as feeling like the car wants to jump into the next lane.

3) The stock LSD is a more mild variety. It doesn't kick in so hard. The Quaiffe is quite track-oriented, and so therefore more striking.

Hope this helps!

 

When I decided it was time for a LSD i was torn between the economy of the Phantom Grip and the reputation of the Quaife. As I put a lot of hard miles on the car reliability was a huge concern. The biggest minus that I was able to uncover about the Phantom is that the unit itself is quite stout but it has a habit of damaging other parts of the transmission. As I would rather pull my own teeth than split that tranny case more than absolutely necessary I chose the Quaife. After approx 10 k Miles I am still happy with the decision.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

How does the Quaife and DSC/ASC+ work together when not in full performance track mode (DSC off)?

 

The best way I can describe it as pretty seamless. It is a more secure pull thru a sharp turn. With DCS off it is even more of a drive thru and explosion out of the turn that you notice .

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I have the factory LSD and find it perfectly acceptable. It really does work--you can feel it straightening the car out..

 

Well, I'm currently talking to a couple of racers who own 05 MCS w/ factory LSD who are wanting to switch to the Quaife. I currently have an 05 MCS that I bought straight of the lot and was too excited on a good deal to check for every little option that would make a big difference....like LSD. So, I'm currently going to pick myself up a used factory LSD for the occasional autoX'ing. I was just wondering if anyone had noticed any major problems with their factory LSD with racing (any wear or damage etc.)

Thanks for the responses

 

I'm perfectly happy with my 04 JCW...except that I didn't even have an option for an LSD. If the Quaife and DSC get along as well as it appears, it will definitely move up on the "to-do" list.

 

I would avoid Phantom Grip-style LSD "inserts," as they put tremendous side load on the gears in the diff. The metal-metal contact eventually wear on the gears, sending that material through the rest of the transmission. I've seen it before in transmissions on other cars and will never use one. Do it right with the Quaife/stock LSD or don't do it at all.

 

05 MCS w/LSD, 3000mi on the clock 3 track weekends. You can feel that the LSD is there and working. No problems thus far.

 

I have an '05 MCS w/LSD. My build date was 01/05, one of the first. After 16,000 miles, :smile: I have had no problems. I've autocrossed it about a dozen times including one National Tour and one SE Divisional. At 20,000 I'm going to drain the tranny and replace the MT fluid with RedLine.


Anybody have more than 16,000 on an LSD?

 

good to hear.... can't wait to rack up some miles...

 

[QUOTE=MattMan]Well, I'm currently talking to a couple of racers who own 05 MCS w/ factory LSD who are wanting to switch to the Quaife. I currently have an 05 MCS that I bought straight of the lot and was too excited on a good deal to check for every little option that would make a big difference....like LSD. So, I'm currently going to pick myself up a used factory LSD for the occasional autoX'ing. I was just wondering if anyone had noticed any major problems with their factory LSD with racing (any wear or damage etc.)


mattman , where are you going to find a used factory LSD??
IM in the same hunt, I ordered mine on 01/13/o5 by the time I figured out what I was missing . I called my MA but he told me there was no way they could add on the LSD it was less then48hrs to production and the dealer will not retro fit one . So im looking into buying Quaife .
Anyone know what the labor cost is on installing a LSD
thanx
mikie

 

Quaife
Is a "Torsen" type gear driven differential that senses which wheel has better grip, and biases the power to that wheel. In cornering, while accelerating out of a turn, the Quaife biases greater power to the outside wheel, reducing inside-wheel spin. This allows the driver to begin accelerating earlier, exiting the corner at a higher speed. Quaife has a lifetime limited warranty from the factory.

Read more here: <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential10.htm>

ULTRIK
Is a clutch based system that works to keep both axles turning at the same speed under all conditions. Many old school racers prefer this type clutch since it always works consistently and predictably. We've never seen anyone wear out the clutches in one of these units. ULTRIK carries our 2-year limited warranty (or as long as your original factory warranty - whichever is greater).

Read more here: <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential8.htm>

 

I have the Quaife. WHile I've had no trouble with it the DSC still kicks in. I really need off to be the default position. This weekend while on my last autocross run for the day I thought something was wrong with the car because there was no power. Sure enough I had forgotten to turn off the DSC (again). It added about 1.5 seconds on a 40 second course.

 

i have a 05 MCS w/LSD and i am not a true believer in it. i have driven only two other cars with a LSD. a stock SE-R, and a Quaife in a 265 hp turbo focus. not sure what kind of LSD the SE-R has but both made lasting impression. i definitely want to get a Quaife and ditch the stock, but dont know if and when i will.

 

veni_vidi_vici i know how you feel , so i got this amzing circuit from ian culls
http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/in...tml#interested it has a track mod built in so when you go to the track you turn off you dsc and not worry about it turning back on after you turn your car off . it helps alot ,i love it.
mikie

 

[QUOTE=mightydread] I'm buying my OEM LSD from someone who's switching their 05 LSD system to the Quaife for STX. There's a lot of serious racers out there that are thinking of switching from GS to STX. When that happens, they can switch from stock LSD to the Quaife. I on the other hand am happy with the GS, but I can't put a quaife in and be legal. So, I just started to ask around for anyone interested in selling their switched out stock LSD. But, if you're not planning on auto X'ing, just get the Quaife. You'll be very happy with it from what I'm hearing. It's a great reliable system.

 

[QUOTE=mightydread]I almost forgot, you can plan to pay anywhere from $600-800 for install on a LSD system. Webb quoted me out at $850...which was a bit steep for me. But here in UT, Minituners.com will install mine for $650. It all depends on where you go. Main thing is, make sure you go through someone who understands the Mini.

 

Thanks for the link, MD. As said in Independance Day," I have got to get me one of those!"

 

The pro BMW builders are sticking with the stock style clutch LSDs over the torsen geared LSDs for high speed road racing. The quaifes are too squirly through the turns but are far superior for straight line racing. I can't speak to slow speed solo racing.

 

Wound installing a 3rd party LSD void my Warrenty?

 

Stock SE-R uses Torsen style LSD IIRC


edit: Spec V (6 speed) only

 

I used to track an older MINI S without LSD, so I know what it feels like to drive without an LSD. I bought a 2006 GP with LSD. There is a big difference. After about 2 & 1/2 years & 10k miles the LSD quit working. I have been trying to get the dealer to fix it under warranty but they act like they don't even understand how the LSD is supposed to work & they tell me it is working correctly. I eventually plan to get a quaife, but in the meantime it would be nice if there was somebody at MINI that would understand the problem & fix it for me.

 

I do not expect any problems from the quaife. I know a couple of guys that have them.