I’m one of the original ‘K’ boys like Mr Bean, and get no wheel spinning issues as I do not have the 300bhp+ of some of you fellas out there. In addition, the damp / wet conditions argument doesnt stack up for me, as on the track the front end doesn’t bite, so I have to go slower 'round the corners. This means that I cannot get on the power unitl later / slower, so wheel spin again is not an issue. The LSD requirement, to me, seems to be only a requirement significantly above standard power and torque.
My old s1 exige 190 used to spin its inside wheel on tighter corners all the time. If I remember correctly Steve Green filmed me a while ago from a caterham and it was smoking quiet a lot. Maybe its driving style ?
My interest in the LSD is principally based on whether it makes the car more fun. Being able to plant your foot earlier in the bend and get better drive out sounds like it essentially gives more speed for no more engine or suspension performance/cost. However, as the SELOC link spells out, an LSD also removes the safety margin a spinning inside wheel gives meaning when �it goes� you�re going from a higher lateral load (and more likely to make the tire wall!). BUT if the car is more controllable you�re less likely to �lose it� and hence have more fun.
So (and it�s getting uncomfortable sitting on this fence), I�m drawn back to Andy�s comment about Stan loving it because he�s a sideways rally nut. I like to lean on the available grip (and slide over it once in a while), so now I just need to decide if a LSD is good or bad for that.
Who want to join me up here, I�ve got a few more days before I need to fall off one side or the other.
Really sorry to hear about the demise of your VHPD. Did not see or hear about that on Sat… Gather it was HGF but you managed to get home ok.
Honda… sounds like the inevitable route to go down. Knowing the way you drive and how you are quick and technical on the cct, I reckon the LSD would be good for you! Sure hanging the rear end out is fun… but getting around neat and tidy with ALL of the rice burner power being put down I think, for you will give you the biggest smile!
I’ve experienced both on a relatively standard car having recently swapped to a non LSD box.
IMO you don’t ‘need’ one but they are certainly different to drive with otherwise the same setup. Just need to manage the grip differently.
I’d definitely prefer to have an LSD - in the wet even for straight line traction on the road…all personal preference though.
…of course they are good for mucking about, but you don’t ‘need’ one for that either (excuse the roof!).
FWIW I’m having the quaife diff put in mine just now. No great debate for me I just want to lose the spining inside wheel on a few circuits, Snetterton, Rockingham, Anglesey. Its not a major issue but as I increase the power, and the box was off anyway, thought I’d get it done.
Now this is the bit I’m struggling to get my head round, why is this?
I ‘get’ what an LSD does but why does it make it easier to chuck about? I get the traction stuff but why is ‘mucking about’ easier?
I’m leaning towards fitting one but this is still a part I don’t really get. I even rang Quaiffe to see if they could help explain that bit, they couldn’t. It’s not something I’m particularly looking for but I’m starting to wonder if this is more myth than science.
In simple terms"if you can spin both wheels at once then the rear of the car will go wherever inertia is pushing it "
If you ain’t got a slip diff fitted then you won’t be able to keep both wheels spinning and the back of the car will stop sliding and you’ll be left with the inner tyre spinning hopelessly and look rather silly !!
Some would say doing donuts is silly… I’d call it great fun !! Eh Uncle P?
Best way of describing the sensation of both wheels spinning is that the rear of the car feels like a hovercraft !!
It’s a wierd but great action…
HTH
