Hey guys,

I'm going on a track day next week, which may include some sideways action. How much should I be worried about my diff? I think I've read somewhere that it's not very good for it.

Thanks

 

I've read that the diff doesn't like hard launches, so brutal clutch kicks, especially if its dry are going to have a similar effect on the drive train! If you get it sideways with weight transfers where possible that would be a kinder approach. Just depends how mad you want to go I guess! Other than the shock of a clutch kick, it should be fine - just let it cool down after a few heavy laps.

Saying that, you'll also read it seems to be a bit of a lottery, some people kick the crap out of theirs every day and never have a problem.

 

It's not good for any component of the car, diff/ hubs/ bearings/suspension and lots of other parts of the car all take a beating with the additional stress.

 

Yeah I guess it depends on the way you initiate the drift and what surface your on. I know Oulton Park wet the track on their drift days to make it easier on your tyres, I wouldn't recommend clutch kicking as obviously that is going to be a more aggressive approach. If the track is sprayed with water before hand then weight transfer and giving it a bit more accelerator just before you turn into the corner should be sufficient to get the back end out. If they don't spray the track then other means may be needed!

 

thanks everyone for the input! i normally use weight transfer to initiate, so hopefully i'll be fine.

 

I use a mix of weight transfer and clutch kicks, did it on a VERY grippy airfield for half a day with no issues.
You'll be fine
Have you drifted much before?

 

2 years with my S a few burn tyres and a burnt clutch make shore you got cheat tyres on the rear

 

Beware if it's a normal trackday they'll send you off if they see you sideways all the time.

 

Although certain trackday organisers know me and let me get away with it

The diff will be fine. It's a mechanical torsen and those things are pretty much invincible. The CWP is the only weak-ish point. Unless you have a brutal lockup clutch you'll be fine.

 

thanks everyone, i'm much more confident now! we'll have the track for us on the day so drifting should be fine.