Rear differential info

[SamuraiJack]

Hey guys curious about offerings of a LSD or a TQ biasing differential (ie. Quaife or Peloquin) available for the E46? I have done a preliminary search on the net but it yeilded nada. Also with one of these intalled would it screw with the DSC since it's mechanical? Drving around with the DSC and Traction control off would bug the crap out of me (the lights being illuminated on the dash).

Any info on the type of differential that is currently in there would also be greatly appreciated. It came it to my attention after a one wheel (accidentally really) plus it will help out with SCCA .

Aloha,
Ian

 

[Akakubi]

There are several available actually. Check with Rennsport.net or Evosport.com. I think they carry a couple brands (HIOP and Quaiffe). Expensive and I think it's only the internals they sell. Not sure how DSC would act however....

 

[SamuraiJack]

Re diffs

The ones from evosport are frickin expensive! I was expecting closer to $1,300. I was pricing out the quaife ones for my '02 Gti and was $800. Quaife (has no e46 apps) and Hi-Op don't have pricing, I am going to email just for giggles. Thanks for the info though.

 

[Akakubi]

Yeah, they know you don't have an alternative, so they jack up the prices. There is KAAZ, but they make for the 328 manual. Price is 1,360.00. Kaaz is huge with the Drift and Race crowd.

It's a clutch-based LSD, so maintenance is required (oil flush every 5000 miles). But with proper break-in and maintenance it would last over 70,000miles with racing or drift use. After that you'll need to replace the clutch pack ($250). On a plus side, it's adjustable with locking up to 100%.

The trick is to figure out if it fits 330's. I suspect it would, since the diff's seem identical on the 330 and 328...

 

[SamuraiJack]

Re: Differential

It feels and seems to be that way, doesn't it? You know with the price of a BMW why wouldn't they put one in there from the start? Actually I think I know the answer. Because for the majority of drivers the DSC and computer traction control is enough. [thumbd]
I am going to try the other ones before the KAAZ though. I have heard that the clutch back type take a split second longer to engage than the TQ biasing diffs. True of false?

I was aiming for something with a bit less maintenance but looks like you need to work for the performance gains.

Thanks again.

 

[Akakubi]

False. Clutch type engages faster and much better, but depending on a model. That's why drifters love clutch type as it "snaps" if you wanted it to. Depending on the size of the clutch pack and locking setting, they can be tame or very feisty.