LSD or No LSD?? That is the question!

[AllPorsche944]

As I indicated in my prior thread, I am going to be removing my engine in favor of a modified 2.5 for my 88na...Not that it is along the sames line, however, but in doing my rear brakes last night I noticed that my tranny is leaking like you would not belive...There is so much oil and so forth caked around the thing that it looks like a giant turd! Yuk :-) Anywho, I have decided while I am going for the whole shibang why not rebuild it, (new seals,synchros,rings,etc)...The question is should I also add the LSD diffential while I am at it? Is this difficult to do (it does not seem like it)...Anyone ever do this before, and what diffrences can I expect from the added $$$ to the rebuild of the tranny?

Thanks as always for your input...it is always more helpfull than you think...

[gearhead290]

The 944 n/a transaxle has a natural LSD effect. It behaves EXACTLY like a VLSD (stock in some nissans, mazdas, and Toyotas). I think you should buy an LSD, but try to find something other than a torsen. I haven't looked for a 944 LSD for awhile, I recall that KAAZ used to make a 1.5 way clutch type. I only saw it one place, and I doubt they still carry them, but it's worth looking for. However, if you can't find something other than a torsen stick with the stock open diff and have it all cryotreated for the strength. IMO the stock open diff is better than a Torsen.

[Stan944]

gearhead290:
it's very interesting what you're saying about LSD-like behaviour of a stock 944n/a. Does it apply to early 944 (1983 for example) too?

How did you find out about the differential similarities, etc., and is there an article we could read more about it?

Could you explain why the stock open diff is better than a Torsen?

[Makenzie71]

ummm..yeah I thought the 944 had LSD already...

[gearhead290]

I just realized that both trannies I had in my 87 n/a would always spin both tires (one was the stock tranny, one was out of an 86). I've driven an S14 240sx with a VLSD and my 944 behaved EXACTLY same as the 240. I've also driven a number of RWD cars with open diffs and my 944 didn't act like those at all.

My problem with Torsen differentials is that they blow up. If you have a high HP car and you get wheel hop the diff is gone. If you 3 wheel the car enough, the diff is gone. I've never driven a car with a torsen, but I've heard that they behave similar to a VLSD which is just a bit of a waste IMO. I mean you're going to be paying $600+ dollars for an LSD for something that doesn't even really need one (unless you're looking to build a dedicated drag car or drift car or something along those lines where you don't want any slip in the diff).

PS-AllPorsche-I'll send you a PM in a couple weeks about my opinion on my SPEC clutch. I got it the other day and it looks freaking bada$$

[AllPorsche944]

Gear...Thanks, that would be great...I am leaning towards the SPEC Stage 3 for my car...I did do some poking around today and found that the there is a HUGE diffrence between the cost of a rebuilt tranny that is without the LSD and the cost of one that is...somewhere in the neighborhood of $800-1k in diffrence...don't think I will be going to the LSD just because I don't autocross or drag and the normal tranny will do...not to mention it is a VERY reliable unit...Thanks for all the input