Details on the New MCS Limited Slip

Sections: Uncategorized Nov 1st, 2004 34 Comments

Here is some long awaited news on the upcoming limited slip differential option for the MCS. While it has specific pricing info for the UK market the rest of the information should be the pertinent to the rest of the world.

The Limited Slip Differential is a 30% differential lock which will only be available for MINI Cooper S Hatch and Convertible. For £100, this mechanical Limited Slip Differential increases traction, improves handling, increases stability and causes DSC to cut in later when specified. Please note it can not be ordered in combination with Automatic Transmission and will be included in the CHILI Pack for MINI Cooper S Hatch and Convertible.

Update: According to an internal pricing document from MINI the LSD will be available as a $500 standalone option in the US. BTW the option code will be 2TA. As mentioned previously, it looks unlikely that this will be a retrofitable item.

Written By: MF Staff

ChrisLW

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?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

That's what I've heard.
revwillie

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.
Nicholas

Nice price! But mine is coming in next week. You say not retro-fit to older models…what about retro-fit to an 05?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

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

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?
TJKonarski

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?
Rodney

Delayed DSC!!! This better than Christmas! Thanks Gabe!
http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~empson Jack07734

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

Cheers, Jack
scooblymonchee

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?
BrantV

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.
Diff Torsen

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.
minithemoocher

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

Thanks!
Amit

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.
gz

If I order my mcs now is this available?
gz

If I order my mcs now is this available?
minithemoocher

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.
BrantV

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.
Larry

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

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

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

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!
Larry

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.
http://Focaljet.com Thameth

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

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!!
Charles

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!
David

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.
http://www.carcounsel.com carcounselor

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.
Sonny

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.
Sonny

Info on the Super LSD:

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

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
Charles

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.
ben

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

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.
Felipe Hernandez

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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