So, it is clutch time. I have decided to replace the clutch with the Valeo kit, instead of a stock setup. The prevailing opinion on the interwebs appears to favor this option. I was also going to dive into the transmission and replace the open differential with a Quaife LSD. Sadly http://detroittuned.com did not have one in stock. They also did some hunting just to try and fill my order from another vendor, no luck. As I do not want to wait a month to do the clutch, I may be forced to not do the differential. Has anyone had a good or bad experience with the Torsen T2 (I believe it is a 4204 svt part number?) as I am led to believe by the aforementioned interwebs that this part fits my getrag 6speed transmission. Thanks in advance.
If you scour the interwebs you may be able find an online store that has it in stock. QDF38Z is what you are looking for. I just replaced my clutch, flywheel, and OEM LSD with the Quaife a couple weeks back. But also bought all my supplies months ago.
https://whiteheadperformance.com/product/quaife-qdf38z-atb-helical-lsd-diff-limited-slip-differential-mini-cooper-s-6-speed-getrag/ says they have it in stock. You will also want to buy new bearings for it right away. LM501349 <-- 2 of those. And to get them in place is super simple. Turn your oven on to about 250°F. Let it get to temp, place the bearings in the oven and set the timer for 30mins. They should be good to slip right into place. DISCLAIMER: my diff was sitting outside in freezing temps over night... so you may need to crank the heat up just a touch... Or put your diff in a freezer over night to help.
Went from this... .... to this.... The first one I baked at 225 for about 20mins and had to walk it into place with a pin punch and hammer. (Not recommended) The second one was baked as I mentioned above and slid right the h377 on. Just needed to tap the last .020" or so, to seat it on the shoulder 100%.
I could go super nerd on everyone and explain how came up with the temp... but I'll just say it was a highly educated "guess." That wasn't all that far off. I will say, for safety's sake, you don't want to go above 350°F. Not just for burning your own hands, but for not dicking with the material properties on the bearings.
I have the Valeo single mass flywheel & clutch in mine. It works great though it does not grab as hard as the dual mass flywheel units. It is a simpler design so fewer things to go wrong and much less expensive.
Well, I managed to source a Quaife LSD and pulled the transmission, replaced the clutch and flywheel, cracked open the gearbox and installed the differential. Just got it all buttoned up today and took Angus for a spin (going easy on the new new clutchy bits). Wow, the differential really makes it a different animal now in the corners. Absolutely worth the trouble.
It went about as well as I expected. Glad it is done. I only managed to damage one thing, the shifter cable bracket exploded while i fumbled with the transmission on the way under the frame. Ordered a new one and had it in a few days. It was pretty brittle and may not have survived remounting the shifter cables. Live and learn.