Comments on: MINIUSA Introduces Limited Slip Differential http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Stuart http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14299 Stuart Tue, 21 Dec 2004 14:14:19 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14299 <p>I've had drive in the LSD equipped 'S' and it really does make a difference. Imagine a street in London, late at night, freshly watered by the cleaning crew truck, these roads are slippery at the best of times, so the lights change, and you floor the throttle and go. The 'LSD' takes you off in a straight line, no bucking , snaking and less of the flashing strobes on the dash, it just goes and goes. 0 to 30 mph with LSD, amazing. The pre LSd 'S' in the same situation would have you and the car sitting in a store window. Can't reccomend it highly enough</p> I've had drive in the LSD equipped 'S' and it really does make a difference. Imagine a street in London, late at night, freshly watered by the cleaning crew truck, these roads are slippery at the best of times, so the lights change, and you floor the throttle and go. The 'LSD' takes you off in a straight line, no bucking , snaking and less of the flashing strobes on the dash, it just goes and goes. 0 to 30 mph with LSD, amazing. The pre LSd 'S' in the same situation would have you and the car sitting in a store window. Can't reccomend it highly enough

]]> By: Sonny http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14298 Sonny Fri, 17 Dec 2004 16:51:09 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14298 <p>Here's a link to info about the Super LSD http://www.arstechnica.de/auto/differential/bauarten/super.html</p> Here's a link to info about the Super LSD http://www.arstechnica.de/auto/differential/bauarten/super.html

]]> By: Sonny http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14297 Sonny Fri, 17 Dec 2004 16:29:49 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14297 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Johnny http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14296 Johnny Fri, 17 Dec 2004 02:10:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14296 <p>Carcounselor,</p> <p>Thank you very much indeed for taht answer. While I never plan on hitting a track, I am enough of a curvy backroad seeker that LSD sounds like it will be worth it for me. Really, much obliged for your insight. I put my order in January!</p> Carcounselor,

Thank you very much indeed for taht answer. While I never plan on hitting a track, I am enough of a curvy backroad seeker that LSD sounds like it will be worth it for me. Really, much obliged for your insight. I put my order in January!

]]> By: carcounselor http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14295 carcounselor Wed, 15 Dec 2004 17:12:33 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14295 <p>...fade/overheating. LSD on the other hand does not slow the car and allows the driver to 'keep his foot in it' for longer. If the DSC were not reprogrammed it would still come into play less often but if BMW has gone one step further and raised the threshold of intervention as suggested above you'll also have a car that can be driven with more vigor with the DSC on. (Think the Competition mode of the Corvette's Stabilitrak vs. the default mode.) To date BMW systems have been relatively intrusive - this may be a step in the right direction. </p> <p>The S needed the LSD less with the old gearbox ratios than it does now (more torque multiplication - perhaps there was a method to BMWs madness after all?) On paper I was thrilled to hear BMW dropped the ratios, from the driver's seat I wasn't so sure. The limited slip option goes a long way towards making the Mini a serious driver's tool - the Integra Type R and Sentra SE-R are both paragons for FWD handling and both had LSD. If you are planning to up boost or lightenen the wheels or flywheel the benefits will be even greater.</p> …fade/overheating. LSD on the other hand does not slow the car and allows the driver to 'keep his foot in it' for longer. If the DSC were not reprogrammed it would still come into play less often but if BMW has gone one step further and raised the threshold of intervention as suggested above you'll also have a car that can be driven with more vigor with the DSC on. (Think the Competition mode of the Corvette's Stabilitrak vs. the default mode.) To date BMW systems have been relatively intrusive – this may be a step in the right direction.

The S needed the LSD less with the old gearbox ratios than it does now (more torque multiplication – perhaps there was a method to BMWs madness after all?) On paper I was thrilled to hear BMW dropped the ratios, from the driver's seat I wasn't so sure. The limited slip option goes a long way towards making the Mini a serious driver's tool – the Integra Type R and Sentra SE-R are both paragons for FWD handling and both had LSD. If you are planning to up boost or lightenen the wheels or flywheel the benefits will be even greater.

]]> By: carcounselor http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14294 carcounselor Wed, 15 Dec 2004 17:03:15 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14294 <p>LSD delays the onset of the ASC (traction control) portion of DSC kicking in because the LSD reduces the tendency for the inside front wheel to spin e.g. when applying power out of a corner. it should also reduce the need for DSC intervention to keep power-on understeer at bay (i.e. the tendency for a front drive car to go straight rather than turn when the power is applied.) DSC/ASC control wheelspin by cutting engine power and/or pulsing the brakes - obviously both slow you down and the later may contribute to...</p> LSD delays the onset of the ASC (traction control) portion of DSC kicking in because the LSD reduces the tendency for the inside front wheel to spin e.g. when applying power out of a corner. it should also reduce the need for DSC intervention to keep power-on understeer at bay (i.e. the tendency for a front drive car to go straight rather than turn when the power is applied.) DSC/ASC control wheelspin by cutting engine power and/or pulsing the brakes – obviously both slow you down and the later may contribute to…

]]> By: Johnny http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14293 Johnny Tue, 14 Dec 2004 21:54:55 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14293 <p>Hey,</p> <p>All this leads back to my neophyte question - how does the LSD interact with the DSC? LSD is great on a track, presumebly with DSC off, but what about real world? When will which kick in? Thanks so much for any detailed response.</p> Hey,

All this leads back to my neophyte question – how does the LSD interact with the DSC? LSD is great on a track, presumebly with DSC off, but what about real world? When will which kick in? Thanks so much for any detailed response.

]]> By: David S. http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14292 David S. Tue, 14 Dec 2004 18:25:46 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14292 <p>I completely agree on "it' going to come down to the driver"! It would still be nice to have been offered LSD back in '03 and '04 :(</p> I completely agree on “it' going to come down to the driver”! It would still be nice to have been offered LSD back in '03 and '04 :(

]]> By: chigh http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14291 chigh Mon, 13 Dec 2004 19:40:56 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14291 <p>I took laps at Mid-Ohio at the end of April in my modifed (190 HP)S wihout LSD and in a One-Lap 225+ HP S with a Quaife. I had my car tuned for an earlier, higher torque boost (19%) and the LSD car had a 15% pulley which produced better acceleration and a higher top speed at higher revs. They cars equalled out on the long back straight, but in the twisty and hilly back section the Mini with the Quaife could be driven out of turn and stay on the throttle over the rise. In my car, the elevation change produced wheel spin like an outboard motor coming out of the water. I had to lift at the crest, then accelerate when the wheels weighted again after the crest. Still, the 19% pulley gave me a better pull and the lap times weren't much affected. With the same pulley, I would give the edge to the Quaife, but again, not by enough to have me spend the $2,000 to buy it and have it installed. In most cases, it's going to come down to the driver.</p> I took laps at Mid-Ohio at the end of April in my modifed (190 HP)S wihout LSD and in a One-Lap 225+ HP S with a Quaife. I had my car tuned for an earlier, higher torque boost (19%) and the LSD car had a 15% pulley which produced better acceleration and a higher top speed at higher revs. They cars equalled out on the long back straight, but in the twisty and hilly back section the Mini with the Quaife could be driven out of turn and stay on the throttle over the rise. In my car, the elevation change produced wheel spin like an outboard motor coming out of the water. I had to lift at the crest, then accelerate when the wheels weighted again after the crest. Still, the 19% pulley gave me a better pull and the lap times weren't much affected. With the same pulley, I would give the edge to the Quaife, but again, not by enough to have me spend the $2,000 to buy it and have it installed. In most cases, it's going to come down to the driver.

]]> By: Micah T http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14290 Micah T Mon, 13 Dec 2004 18:40:54 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14290 <p>I have to agree that a limited slip makes a big difference on a FWD car . I have Quiafe LSD on my '98 GTI VR6, and it really helps to dial out understeer on tight corners (combined with sticky rubber like Falken Azenis Sports). Instead of pushing severely (because of that iron block motor in front of the front axle), the car will "bite" and track in a fairly neutral manner, which is much quicker and much safer through tight corners and transitions. It really is remarkable how it works, and you can feel it "pulsing" through the steering wheel, and the car really does track right where you steer it.</p> I have to agree that a limited slip makes a big difference on a FWD car . I have Quiafe LSD on my '98 GTI VR6, and it really helps to dial out understeer on tight corners (combined with sticky rubber like Falken Azenis Sports). Instead of pushing severely (because of that iron block motor in front of the front axle), the car will “bite” and track in a fairly neutral manner, which is much quicker and much safer through tight corners and transitions. It really is remarkable how it works, and you can feel it “pulsing” through the steering wheel, and the car really does track right where you steer it.

]]> By: nick tripp http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14289 nick tripp Mon, 13 Dec 2004 00:15:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14289 <p>An 01 Mustang Cobra is no MINI, but it sounds nice to be your kid. :)</p> An 01 Mustang Cobra is no MINI, but it sounds nice to be your kid. :)

]]> By: Honolulu Old Guy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14288 Honolulu Old Guy Sat, 11 Dec 2004 10:37:45 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14288 <p>Re scooblymonchee comment: Without LSD, you're not "riding the edge of traction" as you claim. Instead, you're spinning away power that LSD would put to the pavement way before you're near the limits of lateral grip. My '04 MCS w/JCW is noticeably crippled by lack of LSD when I attempt to power out of tight curves even in the dry. RWD cars can spin the drive wheels to a certain extent and still get acceptable overall performance -- FWDrivers like the MINI no can. If the factory LSD really can't be retrofitted, then I'm either getting the Quaife or going all the way with factory trans, dif and clutch replacement. $4 or 5 G's aren't unreasonable prices. My kid's '01 Mustang Cobra had a close-ratio 6-speed and new rear end (4.10) installed for $6 G's, and they were worth every cent.</p> Re scooblymonchee comment: Without LSD, you're not “riding the edge of traction” as you claim. Instead, you're spinning away power that LSD would put to the pavement way before you're near the limits of lateral grip. My '04 MCS w/JCW is noticeably crippled by lack of LSD when I attempt to power out of tight curves even in the dry. RWD cars can spin the drive wheels to a certain extent and still get acceptable overall performance — FWDrivers like the MINI no can. If the factory LSD really can't be retrofitted, then I'm either getting the Quaife or going all the way with factory trans, dif and clutch replacement. $4 or 5 G's aren't unreasonable prices. My kid's '01 Mustang Cobra had a close-ratio 6-speed and new rear end (4.10) installed for $6 G's, and they were worth every cent.

]]> By: Aaron P http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14287 Aaron P Fri, 10 Dec 2004 20:30:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14287 <p>I autocross my '03 MCS regularly, and while I usually only hit the DSC on the street when it's wet and I'm turning a corner, when I autox with race rubber and in the dry (and DSC <em>off</em>) I get wheelspin on a regular basis. I have learned to modulate power to avoid it, but the LSD that the '05 I have on order to replace the '03 <em>will</em> allow me to put down more power where I've previously been limited by wheelspin. I wouldn't upgrade from my '03 to an '05 if it weren't for the LSD, although I don't really expect to notice it except when autox'ing or when on the street exiting a tight corner in the wet.</p> <p>A great option, I'm very pleased with MINI for adding it.</p> <p>-->Aaron</p> I autocross my '03 MCS regularly, and while I usually only hit the DSC on the street when it's wet and I'm turning a corner, when I autox with race rubber and in the dry (and DSC off) I get wheelspin on a regular basis. I have learned to modulate power to avoid it, but the LSD that the '05 I have on order to replace the '03 will allow me to put down more power where I've previously been limited by wheelspin. I wouldn't upgrade from my '03 to an '05 if it weren't for the LSD, although I don't really expect to notice it except when autox'ing or when on the street exiting a tight corner in the wet.

A great option, I'm very pleased with MINI for adding it.

–>Aaron

]]> By: David S. http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14286 David S. Fri, 10 Dec 2004 17:35:56 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14286 <p>I sorry but you drop the clutch in a JCW with or without LSD the tires are going to spin (need to learn how to drive the car first). The only way that the LSD will be handy is coming out of a corner at an SCCA event. If you have no intent on competing you are wasting your money!!! Simple as that!</p> I sorry but you drop the clutch in a JCW with or without LSD the tires are going to spin (need to learn how to drive the car first). The only way that the LSD will be handy is coming out of a corner at an SCCA event. If you have no intent on competing you are wasting your money!!! Simple as that!

]]> By: Micah T http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14285 Micah T Fri, 10 Dec 2004 17:03:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14285 <p>I must admit that you guys make a compelling argument for the Mini over VW! In addition Webb Motorsports is right here in the area, so some basic tuning options will be no worries (although I am not really sure it needs much, perhaps a 15% pully to account for the thin air here). Thanks for the support.</p> I must admit that you guys make a compelling argument for the Mini over VW! In addition Webb Motorsports is right here in the area, so some basic tuning options will be no worries (although I am not really sure it needs much, perhaps a 15% pully to account for the thin air here). Thanks for the support.

]]> By: allan MICHAEL http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14284 allan MICHAEL Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:40:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14284 <p>I had 3 VW's... nicely modede... before i got my '05 MCS... without the LSD i would never go bak to VW. If you really test drove a MCS (salesman hanging on), you know there is really no comparison.</p> <p>Get the MCS (& DSC)!!!!</p> I had 3 VW's… nicely modede… before i got my '05 MCS… without the LSD i would never go bak to VW. If you really test drove a MCS (salesman hanging on), you know there is really no comparison.

Get the MCS (& DSC)!!!!

]]> By: Nicholas P http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14283 Nicholas P Fri, 10 Dec 2004 00:37:31 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14283 <p>VW is nice, but doesn't have the entire MOTORING EXPERIENCE of a MINI...if u already drove it and it felt "right" then u will kick urself for a long time until u finally trade in your VW (for much less than u paid for it) for a MINI...</p> <p>not many cars as inspiring as a MINI...</p> VW is nice, but doesn't have the entire MOTORING EXPERIENCE of a MINI…if u already drove it and it felt “right” then u will kick urself for a long time until u finally trade in your VW (for much less than u paid for it) for a MINI…

not many cars as inspiring as a MINI…

]]> By: Bill http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14282 Bill Thu, 09 Dec 2004 21:25:46 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14282 <p>Can I retro-fit a MINI to my LSD (sorry, couldn't resist)....</p> Can I retro-fit a MINI to my LSD (sorry, couldn't resist)….

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14281 Gabe Thu, 09 Dec 2004 21:21:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14281 <p>Do yourself a favor and get DSC. You won't regret it in the snow.</p> Do yourself a favor and get DSC. You won't regret it in the snow.

]]> By: Micah T http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/08/miniusa_introduces_limited_slip_differential/comment-page-1/#comment-14280 Micah T Thu, 09 Dec 2004 21:18:23 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/08/#comment-14280 <p>Thanks for the advice Nicholas. I have already minimized cosmetic options (e.g., non-metallic paint) and only included functional items like LSD and xenon headlights in my build. As you suggest it is probably worth an extra $10 a month for the extra safety of DSC, especially in a state like Colorado where the roads can be snowy almost any time of year.</p> <p>PS: I keep waffling between a MCS (which I test drove and loved) and the new GTI, which has recieved excellent reviews so far. I have an '98 GTI VR6 with a Quaife LSD now, and feel some loyalty to VW...but the MSC is just so damn "right"!</p> Thanks for the advice Nicholas. I have already minimized cosmetic options (e.g., non-metallic paint) and only included functional items like LSD and xenon headlights in my build. As you suggest it is probably worth an extra $10 a month for the extra safety of DSC, especially in a state like Colorado where the roads can be snowy almost any time of year.

PS: I keep waffling between a MCS (which I test drove and loved) and the new GTI, which has recieved excellent reviews so far. I have an '98 GTI VR6 with a Quaife LSD now, and feel some loyalty to VW…but the MSC is just so damn “right”!

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