Interesting thread on Miata.net concerning P-cars and LSDs

[Porsche virgin]

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?p=2016648#post2016648

[jluetjen]

Pretty much the typical spread of posts -- ranging from the original poster who believes an LSD is better... well... just because!!! (Everyone else is using it!), to the thoughtful response by "Chris F".

[masraum]

I saw that last night and considered posting it here.

I didn't realize that Porsche doesn't currently offer LSD as an option on pretty much any of the cars. The theory that the LSD may interfere with the PSM/PASM, whatever is interesting. I'm curious about the reason for it.

Still, not buying a Porsche because it doesn't come with LSD seems a bit severe.

[speeder]

Porsche "Gayman S"......

Hehehehehe....

[nostatic]

The sad reality (or maybe not so sad) is that the computers can do a better job of dealing with traction issues than a simple mechanical system. We had a Porsche factory driver and instructor for the Porsche Driving Experience talk at our instructor's clinic concerning the new cars. The traction control systems are sick. And adaptive. Why lock the two wheels together when you can have the computer constantly calculating the situation and applying engine and brake as needed? A "purist" may gag, but lap times will tell the truth.

[Jims5543]

I was a bit upset my 80SC did not have a LSD. My RX-7 has a beefed up one.


Then I drove the SC in anger...... and forgot it was missing.

Total non-issue for me unless maybe if I was Autocrossing.

[dd74]

I haven't reached the point yet where I've needed LSD, but I asked a few mechanics about it for my car. All said it wasn't needed for the '74 911. One told me they don't even make an aftermarket LSD for the early 915.

[Porsche virgin]

I haven't felt the need for one in my 911 yet, but I can tell you it is a huge benefit in the Miata. I had two, one with and one without. With the Torsen, I could get on the gas MUCH earlier in turns. My experience, however, was limited to AX and around-town speeds.

[dd74]

Yeah, and you had a Miata R. Those were choice cars. How'd it compare to regular Miatas? Any big difference?

[svandamme]

so what if there is no LSD in a car

everybody is all talk about it , but few have tried eating it while driving... trust me on this one , it won't make you corner any faster at all...on the contrary

[nostatic]

I remember tripping once while driving. The oil pressure light on my '67 bug used to come on occasionally (usually because I was low on oil). It was a small circular yellow/green bulb in the ower part of the speedo. I remember it came on and I swear it was shooting laser beams into my eyes. I had to stop watching the road and pay attention to the laser beams. Luckily it went out and I could get back to looking at the road.

Yes, miracle I'm still alive...

[Porsche virgin]

Originally posted by dd74
Yeah, and you had a Miata R. Those were choice cars. How'd it compare to regular Miatas? Any big difference?

The biggest difference in my mind was the manual steering. The power steering in Miatas (IMO) is comparable to a Buick from the 70s. Too much boost and no feedback at all.

To me, the cars without P/S are like the pre-89 911s: Tons of feedback and sheer driving joy.

Now why did I sell that car again?!?

Oh yeah, to buy Porsche parts!

[speeder]

I owned the same 911 with and w/o LSD. It did make the car "push" or understeer more when entering a corner with power on, but once I got used to it, I could control under/oversteer very easily w/ right foot. It is invaluable for throttle-steering, which is how any good driver steers a 911. You would never hear any fast 911 track driver, like Tyson or Jack Olsen, debate the value of LSD vs. open dif, except maybe for autocross. It is a "no-brainer" on a serious track car or even a hot street car, IMO. Race cars have very unforgiving, locking-type diffs that make it almost impossible for them to take a tight, low-speed corner. You will see a cup car see-saw around those turns, such as at SOWS.

My car had a stock factory 40% LSD in a 915 that had zero downside for street driving and was a major improvement when having fun/going fast. I would never own another (older) 911 w/o it now, but before I had it I did not really miss it because I did not know the difference.

[Jims5543]

Originally posted by speeder
I owned the same 911 with and w/o LSD. It did make the car "push" or understeer more when entering a corner with power on, but once I got used to it, I could control under/oversteer very easily w/ right foot. It is invaluable for throttle-steering, which is how any good driver steers a 911. You would never hear any fast 911 track driver, like Tyson or Jack Olsen, debate the value of LSD vs. open dif, except maybe for autocross. It is a "no-brainer" on a serious track car or even a hot street car, IMO. Race cars have very unforgiving, locking-type diffs that make it almost impossible for them to take a tight, low-speed corner. You will see a cup car see-saw around those turns, such as at SOWS.

My car had a stock factory 40% LSD in a 915 that had zero downside for street driving and was a major improvement when having fun/going fast. I would never own another (older) 911 w/o it now, but before I had it I did not really miss it because I did not know the difference.

Great info! Thanks for your input.

As a dedicated spirited street car I guess I can live w/o it. If I was serious about tracking it I would probably add it on.