Installing LSD in NON-LSD G50 trans

[mnmasotto]

I have a 1987 Carrera 3.2L with a G50. I would like to install a LSD. I would like to do this myself.
1) How difficult is this job? I do most of the maintenance on my car with a little help from this forum.
2) Any special tools needed?
3) Which LSD and what % would you recommend? This is for mainly street driving with occasional auto cross.
4) Any good posts on this project?

Thanks allot for your input!!!!!

[Steve@Rennsport]

You might not like my advice, but this is really not a DIY project.

You need some special fixtures and a bunch of Porsche shims to measure and set pinion depth and backlash. Further, you need the factory fixtures to setup the shift mechanism on the G50 or a ton of experience with these transmissions.

These are nothing like a 915,....

There are several good choices for an LSD and I'll kindly suggest you do some homework, however a 40/60 LSD works very well.

[ToddM]

I think you should try to do this yourself. Just make sure to record the aftermath and put it on youtube for our amusement.

I recommend buying two LSDs from Steve (above)... one that you can destroy yourself and one that can be professionally installed afterwards.

[dvkk]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

You need ..... to measure and set pinion depth and backlash.

A simple diff swap does not require altering the pinion depth.

Further, you need the factory fixtures to setup the shift mechanism

Swapping the diff does not require pulling the gear stacks out of the main case. No need to adjust anything here.

You could measure your original diff's overall length, bearing seat to bearing seat, then measure the same on your LSD. The difference in length is what you have to change your bearing preload shims by.

Next is backlash.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by dvkk

A simple diff swap does not require altering the pinion depth.

Thats only true if you use the factory Motorsport one.

Swapping the diff does not require pulling the gear stacks out of the main case. No need to adjust anything here.

True, but you cannot adjust pinion depth without the case being empty.

You could measure your original diff's overall length, bearing seat to bearing seat, then measure the same on your LSD. The difference in length is what you have to change your bearing preload shims by.

Next is backlash.

Everyone does this procedure differently, but I cannot afford to do that with a customer's car. Using something like the Guard LSD or even a Quaife, the pinion depth and backlash must be reset and that requires removal of the gearstacks. It really depends on how accurately one wants to do this,...

Ultimately though, its your nickel and you should do what you are comfortable with.