LSD Effects
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LSD Effects
I was just reading a mag about the Elise which stated that an LSD is optional on the Elise, and if provided, then traction control is a must.
I though an LSD was a kind of low tech TC device? Can anyone explain in simple terms how an LSD affects a RWD, especially as it pertains steering? Why would an Elise not have one by default (too light to need it?)? Would an S be better off without it?
I though an LSD was a kind of low tech TC device? Can anyone explain in simple terms how an LSD affects a RWD, especially as it pertains steering? Why would an Elise not have one by default (too light to need it?)? Would an S be better off without it?
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Corners aren't that important as you will probably find that they melt and turn into the care bears as you approach them.
In all seriousness, and very basically, it gives the car an unnaturally sharp turn in most of the time.
In all seriousness, and very basically, it gives the car an unnaturally sharp turn in most of the time.
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Originally Posted by Bada Bing!,Mar 24 2006, 06:36 PM
Corners aren't that important as you will probably find that they melt and turn into the care bears as you approach them.
In all seriousness, and very basically, it gives the car an unnaturally sharp turn in most of the time.
In all seriousness, and very basically, it gives the car an unnaturally sharp turn in most of the time.
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Originally Posted by CiderBoy,Mar 24 2006, 07:38 PM
????
I thought it was more about countering uneven grip between the rear wheels when getting the power down, i.e. moe about coming out of the corner rather than helping turn in.
I thought it was more about countering uneven grip between the rear wheels when getting the power down, i.e. moe about coming out of the corner rather than helping turn in.
The optional nature of an LSD for the Elise makes me wonder why such an extreme car would have a "good thing" like an LSD as an option - unless it is because it is just that good not to need one.
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In terms of steering, the LSD gives you the unnatural turn in that I mentioned. It does this by using the unused power which would go to the inside wheel, and forces it across to the outside wheel. As this wheel has more grip, giving it more power forces the car into the corner neater than normal.
You've all got an S2000, so go and try it! Find a right angle bend, load up the outside wheel then slap on some power and feel the LSD kick you round the corner.
You've all got an S2000, so go and try it! Find a right angle bend, load up the outside wheel then slap on some power and feel the LSD kick you round the corner.
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From: Brizzle
Originally Posted by trinis2001,Mar 24 2006, 11:44 PM
See why I am confused? I also equate an LSD with power on grip. The mag article suggests the elise needs TC with an LSD as it affects steering - maybe they mean oversteering?.
The optional nature of an LSD for the Elise makes me wonder why such an extreme car would have a "good thing" like an LSD as an option - unless it is because it is just that good not to need one.
The optional nature of an LSD for the Elise makes me wonder why such an extreme car would have a "good thing" like an LSD as an option - unless it is because it is just that good not to need one.
The Elise does not "need" LSD. It's great handling (keeping both rear wheels on the tarmac) and lower power means it can get the power down any way.
The LSD will only help if one wheel has traction. This may be why they state that you need traction control to get any use out of the LSD. In other words the window of opporunity for the LSD to do it's stuff is actually quite small on the Elise and you'd need TC otherwise you would miss it. Or in other words the time between one wheel losing traction and the other losing traction is quite small.
The more power and worse handling the car, the greater the benefit of the LSD - I think!
I'm no expert BTW, so may be some one with more knowledge will confirm.
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This from Wikipedia
[QUOTE]The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate at twice its intended velocity
[QUOTE]The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate at twice its intended velocity
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From: Brizzle
Originally Posted by Jason Milner,Mar 25 2006, 12:05 AM
I guess that means if you're really going for it, & one of the back wheels has momentarily lifted on a corner, you'll still get some drive from the remaining wheel?
I suppose also that could also help prevent a spin in that if on a standard diff the only driven wheel in contact with the road lost drive you'd effectively suffer from lift off oversteer?
J
I think it's also about limiting the spin on the wheel without grip, hence allowing it to recover traction sooner.