What installed Bob? Torsen? I have the Quaife and it is a Torsen diff...

 

It's like the "Blair Witch Project"- those that explore the myth are never heard from again.

 

Just digging up this old thread...

seeing as we never heard anything of this, did the "brave soul" who purchased the Torsen unit ever install it?

Also, is there a Quaife unit from Fordracing also, or is it just a Torsen t2 unit? Would this fit any year 6 spd MCS?

 

Okay, I think I may be able to clarify here. The Quaife differential we all refer to is of T-2 design. Quaife is a manufacturer, T-2 is a type, per se. So, is it "just" a T-2 unit? Yes. Then again, the Quaife is "just" a T-2 unit.

Hopefully that clears this up, assuming my understanding is correct.

- Matt

 

Oh I thought the unit was built by Torsen. Aren't Quaife and Torsen two different manufacturers? Or is Torsen not a manufacturer at all?

 

Originally yes, but they implement the same design.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsen_differential

http://www.torsen.com/

- Matt

This is how I think of it:

Torsen = T-2 diff style manufacturer
Quaife = T-2 diff style manufacturer

Torsen = Quaife

 

OK, thanks for the clarification. I was under the impression that the Quaife was patented and unique in design, therefore nobody else made on like it, other than the OBX copy.

So did anyone figure out anything else about compatibility? Will any year focus SVT 6 speed lsd fit into any year MCS? Or is it later-style MCS trannies only?

 

Hey, just wanted to put a disclaimer on what I said earlier. I cannot say with 100% certainty this is "how it is." I am, I would say, closer to ~90% certain about this. To all of my knowledge and resources, the Quaife is not unique. Just wanted to stick this out there as there is the real possibility I am wrong and will admit as such should other evidence become available. Covering my *** and all from flaming.

Always like to be accurate and factual in regards to specifications.

- Matt

 

Sorry guys I've been busy with the new addition in my family Last I wrote I was going to install the Torsen Diff. Well, that install is done and I now have about 10k miles on it. I also did the Lightened flywheel which I wish I didn't (another story). The mechanic said the Torsen diff installed without a problem and fit right in place. The diff installed was the Ford Racing SVT Focus diff. You can purchase these from Ford Racing for about $650-$700. I purchased mine from ebay for $630 + shipping.

Drivability - I am not an auto technician so the verbage I use may not make sense to some of you. After the install, I took the Mini for a test drive and found that it was very hard to break my outside tire loose during accelerated sharp turns. The car almost wants to over steer. In rainy condition when I did break the tires loose it would be both sides and the front of the car glided sideways instead of one tire spinning out of control. Basically I can take sharp corners with my foot on the gas and not worry of losing acceleration due to outside tire slipping. I highly recommend this mod and especially for the less expensive cost, it is well worth it. I will post the mechanics name and number if you have more detailed questions you can ask him.

 

Congrats on the new addition, my wife and I have a second one on the way in a few weeks.

Just making sure I read your post right, you have 10K on the Ford SVT LSD?
If so, that is great! Thanks very much for posting.

EDIT: Do you have the Ford part number?

 

Silver-mini-s, what year mini do you have? Does anyone know if this will fit pre-05 cooper trannies?

 

If the pics in his gallery are of his car, it's pre-'05.

 

If that works I will deffinatly have to look into getting one. cool thread, thanks for the info.

 

Yeah this is definetly good info. $730 for a quaife/torsen helical LSD is not bad at all.

 

I think this may be the one...
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=8837

maybe silver-mini-s can confirm the part number.

 

It must be- torsen t-2 diff for the getrag 6 speed. As long as it's a helical diff, it's golden.

 

Yes, it is the Torsen T-2 Diff.

 

This site http://www.f2cars.com/index.asp?Page...S&Category=182

Has the Torsen T2 for 632 dollars + shipping

 

Nice find, man. Thanks for posting.

 

What year is your Mini?

The car I own that the Diff. is installed in is a 03 Cooper S.

I now have about 73k miles on my car, most of the modes where done under the 20k mark. The Ford Diff and lightened flywheel was installed around 62k. Before I did the Diff. I had long conversations with Torsen tech support. They informed me that the first car the diff was designed for was the Mini. They installed and tested it on a Mini but Ford ended up purchasing the right to sell the part.

 

Good work y'all.

 

So does OBX's helical LSD work also? Been seing it in Ebay a lot.

 

I'll let you know in a few weeks. I haven't read of anyone actuallly using one in a mini, just honda/acura, etc...

 

I've heard of people using this on other car forums. I believe it works as intended, but sometimes people have found certain parts installed backwards, and I have heard of them grenading occasionally. Not sure how often tho, so I'd do some research on it first.

 

After doing a brief search in google regarding OBX's lsd, here is a link that might be of interest to everyone. I've read mixed reviews about the OBX but I'll err on the side of caution, save some money and purchase a Quaife instead.

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1249085&page=1