I know physically what a LSD is and how it works (basically!). What I want to know it how it behaves and what to do when the back kicks out.

I'm not after going sideways around every corner, but I'd like some advice about how a LSD affects the car if the back does let go. Do it treat it like any other RWD? Should I be jumping off the throttle and take it out of the equation, should I be gently coming off it, leave a trailing throttle, keep my foot in and steer out of it, etc.

Basically, what is the benefit/down side of having it there outside of optimal grip levels?

Thanks all,

Rick

 

If you come fully off the throttle the back will snap back.

You need to progressively release it and it will come back round smoothly

 

Jumping off the throttle will likely send you into the nearest hedge

You can get away with letting off gently. Best best is to keep your foot in and try and control it.

I find the best way to get the S to oversteer is just going too fast into a corner. I can't do it so well by flicking the wheel.

 

Cheers for the quick replies (<5 mins!).

So pretty much the same as a RWD car without a LSD then. What advantages does it give then? Is it that it slows the speed that the rear breaks away at, or is it I get a bit of extra grip before I run out of talent?

I've been trying to experiment (carefully) while pulling out of junctions with the slippy conditions we've had round here after a good dry spell followed by enough rain to lift everything back out of the tarmac.

My tyres appreciate the advice given!

 

It's purely designed to assist cornering by allowing the rear wheel to be semi independant of each other, so if one starts to spin, the other takes the load. It's not really meant to help you once you have lost total rear grip.

 

The S2000 doesn't have an LSD.

The diff will give you more traction by transfering power from one side to the other in the even that one wheel starts to spin. Unfortunately for people with no control over their right foot, this can mean that rather than spin one wheel they spin both, which is then usually followed by panic, following your advice of jumping off the throttle, and a quick trip to the nearest ditch in the opposite direction.

Once you're hopelessly out of control, the diff probably isn't making any difference to anything.

Usually having a light touch on the wheel and letting it go where it wants is all you need, that and putting your foot down to transfer weight backwards.

 

Fair enough. Thanks for the advice.

Lighter right peg it is then...

 

Worth clarifying that, Dembo.

The S2000 has a Torsen type LSD, clutchless. It's all done with gears.

 

I was under the (obviously mistaken) impression than the diff helped once you'd lost grip.

I've successfully owned RWD cars before (<200bhp) and I count myself as an above average driver (along with everyone else), but I'd much rather learn my lessons on the forum, rather than bouncing off kerbs and joining the "I've just wrecked my pride and joy" threads that seems to be becoming a bit more regular around here.

Not judging, just trying to stay safe. Take care people.

Thanks again.

 

I've only had mine a few months but had a lot of RWD and echo the above really.

The only times I've had the back out was really trying and just let go of the wheel, kept the throttle consistant, caught the wheel when it was straight again and it was OK!

The hardest thing when I went to RWD was learning not to panic and break if/when the back gets light and so far just being aware of what I'm doing and being smooth I've been ok (touch wood).