Engine Drivetrain 2nd Gen S LSD... good or bad?

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by genik, Nov 22, 2015.

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  1. genik

    genik Member

    Feb 20, 2012
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    Hi, seen many videos regarding the installation of the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on different cars and of course our own R56S and id like an opinion over this mod. It looks like a helpfull mod of having an LSD but i have read and seen broadcastings that claim that having a LSD on bumpy roads is not a easy thing to cope with cause the car can become very jerky in handling. What do you think any personal views on this? Why have it and why not?
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    GOOD! Because it can make you do this to your car...

    88BD46C6-227A-476A-B7D0-947CB1E110C6_zpsiv889mxy.jpg

    Problem solved!
     
  3. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    I put a Quaife in, and find it very daily driver friendly.
    Very unobtrusive, but helps especially in wet and white stuff,
    and when taking corners with power.
    It reverts to open when there is NO traction on one wheel, but
    with a light foot, I find it helpful in those circumstances.
    I've never noticed any jerking or wandering or pulling even on
    uneven roads.
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    LSD is bad for you..... Very Very Bad....

    [​IMG]
     
  5. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Depending on the year r56:you have, you MIGHT have an LSD function activated electronically which uses the brake on one side and the open diff to simulated a real LSD. While not as good as the real thing, no drawbacks other than a tiny bit if extra brake wear....maybe slightly long times on a track, but fine for any road driver.
     
  6. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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    Could be a good thing. It helped solve a murder mystery in "My Cousin Vinny".
     
  7. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    I recommend that you do some LSD. Or, did you already...
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I found my LSD very satisfying. :smilewinkgrin:
     
  9. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    It looks helpful to you in what way? What is your motivation for considering this expensive mod? Are you having issues with a wheel spinning on one side?
     
  10. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #10 DneprDave, Nov 22, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2015
    The electronic Limited Slip feature can be programmed on to earlier second generation cars. I've read that dealers charge around $150.
     
  11. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    For 99% of non track folks this should be enough...all pluss, no negatives like the op is worried about.
     
  12. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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  13. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    I've drive both in an R53. The LSD pulls a tighter line in a corner. I've not heard the people who have them complain about them. I want one eventually.
     
  14. 2010Chili

    2010Chili New Member

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    On the back roads and on the road to enlightenment LSD's usefulness is determined by set and setting. Gonzo told me directly in a dream, so it's gotta be true
     
  15. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    [​IMG]
     
  16. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

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    Timothy Leary's dead.
    No, no, no, no, He's outside looking in.
     
  17. CarlB

    CarlB Active Member

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    I do not believe any LSD available for any FWD car has the bad habits you are concerned about. The bad habits are confined to some of the 4X4 differentials. With a mechanical LSD you will notice the turn tightening up when you get on the throttle. If you autocross you will notice a big difference because you can put down power out of slow corners. The electric diff MINI used on the R-56 JCW will help get the power down out of slow corners.
    Handling is subjective. Only you can decide what is good or bad. There are only general rules that apply to most people. We all sense different things, and have different perceptions of what we want the car to feel like. None of us control the car the same.
     
  18. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    His car will only go as fast as his feet will.
     
  19. AFWingnut

    AFWingnut New Member

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    I had a Quaife installed on a 2011 R56 and I have to say there is nothing bad IMHO about the decision to do so. While i notice zero difference in handling on a normal commute, there is an incredible difference in my ability to power out of a turn at an autocross and is most notable and makes me smile ear to ear when on roads like the Dragon. It is one of the best mods I've done to date.
     
  20. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Know your source yet stay away from the brown stuff.
     

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