Details on the New MCS Limited Slip

ChrisLW Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Boy Gabe, you're up early! I also believe I've read that it can NOT be retrofitted to earlier cars….is that what you've heard?

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Gabe Nov 1st, 2004 Link

That's what I've heard.

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revwillie Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Sounds sweet. I love the fact that it delays the activation of DSC! Now all I need to know is WHEN it will be available to order.

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Nicholas Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Nice price! But mine is coming in next week. You say not retro-fit to older models…what about retro-fit to an 05?

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Gabe Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I meant older models as in pre 1/05 builds.

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BrantV Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Can't be retrofitted?

Does that mean no upgrade kit expected or that it is physically impossible because of different transmissions?

If the transmission hasn't changed yet again, eventually these will wear out and a part number will be available for replacements. While potentially labor intensive, shouldn't 2005 models be able to accept it?

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TJKonarski Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I'm not much of a gearhead, so please forgive my question if there is a simple or obvious answer… Why would it be good or appreciated if the limited slip differential delayed the activation of DSC?

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Rodney Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Delayed DSC!!! This better than Christmas! Thanks Gabe!

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Jack07734 Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I would think that the reason the DSC is delayed is to let the LSD do it's thing first.

Cheers, Jack

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scooblymonchee Nov 1st, 2004 Link

An lsd would “delay” the traction control function of dsc only, as the tires would lose traction under power somewhat later in many cases. You would have exactly the same effect on a non-dsc (asc) S as well.

Anyone know how agressive 30% is for a fwd car?

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BrantV Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Without Limited slip, when one wheel slips all power goes to that wheel and is lost. The traction control part of DSC kicks in to apply brakes to the spinning wheel directing power to the other wheel, while also reducing the output from the engine.

With a LSD not all power is lost through a spinning wheel. The LSD will divert power (up to 30% in the MINI's case) towards to the other wheel. Therefore it's not as necessary for the DSC to interfere.

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Diff Torsen Nov 1st, 2004 Link

BrantV–Yikes, no! the 30% number does not refer to the amount of power directed towards the non-slipping wheel; rather, it refers to the differential in angular velocity permitted by the LSD. In other words, the slipping wheel can spin 30% faster than the non-slipping wheel before power transfer occurs. Because the differential limits slip, it's called a limited-slip differential.

The diff needs to allow a little bit of slip so that the car can go around bends. Inside wheels trace a smaller arc than outside wheels and therefore turn more slowly (though each wheel follows its own arc). If you drove with a 0% (locked) differential, you would find turning extraordinarily difficult, though the traction under acceleration would be ideal. That's why dragsters often run locked differentials.

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minithemoocher Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Gabe, do you know what company is manufacturing the Limited-Slip unit? Also, how would you compare this unit to a Qaife?

Thanks!

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Amit Nov 1st, 2004 Link

not a very expensive option, sounds more like a Phantom Grip LSD than a Quaife. I wonder if it is going to need adjustment over time? I've been holding out my order for this, hopefully it will phase in on time for the Jan/05 builds.

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gz Nov 1st, 2004 Link

If I order my mcs now is this available?

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gz Nov 1st, 2004 Link

If I order my mcs now is this available?

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minithemoocher Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I'm quite confident this is not a Phantom Grip. The option is relatively inexpensive due to economies of scale. Ford offered a Qaife unit in their European Focus and it was only a $600 option.

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BrantV Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I realize it needs to allow slip. From the description (30% lock) it sounded like it was allowing 70% slip :)

I agree, a locked differential would introduce severe (potentially fatal) under-steer on a FWD car.

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Larry Nov 1st, 2004 Link

In the UK, the lsd cost 183 US dollars (100 pounds sterling) and we have to pay 500 dollars?????

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Scott Nov 1st, 2004 Link

Larry – Yeah, it's because of shipping. :) just kidding…

I think that's a bit of a rip off also.

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Shazam Nov 1st, 2004 Link

I gotta go with Larry and Scott, $500 vs $183 (even with their 12% VAT they're only paying $205) does seem to be a bit of a screwing!

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Larry Nov 2nd, 2004 Link

When your in the UK, you'll see that their pricing includes VAT. If that's the case here, we're really getting the royal hosing.

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Thameth Nov 2nd, 2004 Link

How does the 30% compare to the quaife LSD currently offered on the aftermarket? Whats the Quaifes percentage?

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GMINI Nov 3rd, 2004 Link

It has been coldly calculated how much they can rip you off. There will be no reduction in price. The dif will sell like hotcakes.

:)

hi from newyorkmini.org!!

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Charles Nov 11th, 2004 Link

Woohoo!

Yesterday I rebuilt my car (with LSD and the rear fog light), emailed my Motoring advisor and officially ordered my Mini.

They say I'm the first order in North Carolina to get the Limited Slip Differential!

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David Nov 24th, 2004 Link

When you consider the only real choice (IMHO) for a LSD till now has been a quaife, which with installation runs from $1800 to $2000, the $500 for the factory LSD sounds like a bargain.

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carcounselor Dec 8th, 2004 Link

the three dealers i've spoken to re: option 2TA are saying 'early 2005 – anyone have confirmation of a production week etc. looking for something more specific as i don't want this option to go the way the heated windshield did. cheers.

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Sonny Dec 17th, 2004 Link

From the pictures I have seen, the new LSD must be a Super LSD, an invention by the Tochigi Fuji company. The Super LSD was awarded by SAE the year it came out. Tochigi Fuji is a Japanese company which was recently taken over by GKN. The Super LSD is also used in various Mazda cars.

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Sonny Dec 17th, 2004 Link

Info on the Super LSD:

http://www.arstechnica.de/auto/differential/bauarten/super.html

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Dennis Yu Jan 5th, 2005 Link

If I don't do race but just hard cornering sometimes, is it still worth the wait (get the car now or wait until March) and $500 to order an mini with the LSD option?

Thanks, Dennis

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Charles Jan 11th, 2005 Link

For everyone's information on when the LSD is actually available:

My 2005 MCS with LSD is “in production” with an “estimated completion date” of today.

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ben Mar 29th, 2005 Link

The standard isue in my mcs is the acs+t, would you recomend the dsc, lsd. And will it make a big diference.

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Andro Apr 1st, 2005 Link

I have an ‘05 MCS with DSC and the LSD. I recommend both.

You may not have them actuating constantly, but it’s good to have there for when you need them.

Our MCS performs incredibly. I have yet to spin a wheel in a cornering or straight line situation. It just digs-in and goes.

The cost is not much for what you get.

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Felipe Hernandez Sep 10th, 2005 Link

Anyone know any info on the LSD on the John Cooper website (ATB) I think. Why is it not part of JCW kit? Can I buy and have mini dealer install on ‘04 MCS.

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