I know that the OEM unit is a torsen type differential, which acts like an open diff if you lift the inside rear wheel.

I believe OS-giken is a clutch type.

I know there are 1.5-way and 2-way diffs - no clue of the difference or how they work.

Aside from that, I don't know much about diffs and what is needed for what application.

I see also sorts of diffs offered for the s2k - Kaaz, J-racing, OS-giken, etc. etc.

I would imagine that the lock settings of the diff vary based on supporting modifications such as aero, tires, suspension, as well as application - road course vs. auto-x.

What are all the STR and BSP guys using? Are these usually OTS settings or custom tuned for the course/application?

I don't need a diff, but I would like one. I plan on continuing to run minimal aero (likely none), but may eventually add a small wing (gtc-200).

 

Most autocrossers are running osgiken. Jonathan lugod now works for osgiken and has a good of the shelf setup for the diffs. Steve Seguis runs ats carbon spec 1.5 way. The only autocrosser that I know of that ran the mugen 2 way was Matt Glagola. 1.5 is full engaged on acceleration and half on excel. 2 way has same lookup on accel and decel

 

I am using the Cusco LSD configured by CounterSpace Garage to suit my driving application. Jonathan Lugod works for OS Giken and I believe that is also a very good unit. Most guys use the OSG unit in AX. I know Bob Endicott uses the OTS 1.5-Way Cusc Type-RS LSD.

ATS/Carbonetics, Mugen, Spoon, Kaaz, Tomei, etc. are all good units too. There's also Guard and Drexler too. LOL

Keep in mind OSG also has a contingency program for STR so it's also another reason why so many AX people use their LSDs. If you want to change the settings, you'll need to have OSG take care of that for you directly.

 

Are the Cusco and Kaaz units clutch type LSDs? Both you and Kaaz are fairly local to me.

I'm curious to hear more about your experience going to the Cusco unit that you guys tuned vs. the OEM unit. Suitable for use with low level r-comps like NT-01s?

 

Basically everything I mentioned earlier are your clutch-type LSDs. They clutch disks helps change the locking characteristics and such. I don't have experience with Kaaz, however I have heard of users wanting to go with either Cusco or OSG if they wanted to redo their setup.

I consider most off the shelf stuff to be more tailored towards street application. I think OTS Cusco/OSG units are great for STR class. I'm not sure how I would like them for R-comp in BSP or track use. My LSD is setup for more track use and sticky street tire/R-comp usage so street characteristics are little bit more rough.

I know for sure there was a learning curve after getting the LSD installed.

 

Here's some good info

http://www.taylor-race.com/pdf/under...ferentials.pdf

 

I've got the same set up as David. I like it. Took me a few days to get use to it though. At first the car wanted to understeer. I've used it with R-comps and street tires. Works well with both.

There is a photo on caliphotography from the May event at big willow. It's a few shots of T3 and you can see me counter steering up it and both rear tires are leaving nice black strips. Super predictable when you are on throttle oversteer on corner exit.

Hope it helps Albert!

 

Thanks for the info guys, and thanks for the reference to the picture Dustin. This helps with planning out the last few final mods for my car.

 

Can you elabored late on that? What was different? How did you adjust your driving style to accommodate?

Going open diff to lsd I understand, but I have a little trouble wrapping my head around going from one type of lsd to a different one with how it affects driving...

 

Indeed Steve's BSP and STR car both run ATS carbon. Ive heard the mantra that you have to tune for the diff. We had Jon Caserta in Steve's STR car and he commented on how much braking force there is on the car and that it maybe due to the ATS lock under decel. The way Steve set up both cars , you need to be on throttle for the car to work.