Tom Sullivan

hi, im a new z owner, bought an '08 and love it. first mod i absolutely need is an affordable LSD for these cold and wet days.

does anyone know if an '03 350z VLSD would fit an '08 Z, and how easy the process would be? i plan on just taking it to a shop and having it done.

also how well does a VLSD work when its colder out? i know its based on heating the viscous fluid inside, so when its cold, does it suck?

thanks for any and all information

Tom

HRMoneyPit

15 years old I highly doubt it's worth anything more then free

Tom Sullivan

you mean you dont think it would function?

rancor

It's not great all the time as its lockup is not good and cold will just make it worse. You're better off getting a quaife for street use. The 03 if abused might also be non functioning if the fluid leaked out or wears out which it seems to.

NiLL

If you can find a LOW Millage one (under 50k) It will be worth your time if you can get it cheap. (200 bucks or less)

If not save for a Quafe.
Its cheaper to buy the Quafe kit for the base diff than the VSLD.
I have 20k on my Nismo and I can feel it uncouple when I let of the throttle a little bit mid corner. It's worlds better than open for launching, but it's not that great. Its also 30% max locking to the other wheel.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

The VLSD just doesn't function well new or used

Tom Sullivan

what would you guys think about welding the diff and using that until i can buy a quaife? is it possible to damage the drivetrain at all

NiLL

If you dont mind blowing though tires.... do it. You will be dragging 1 tire across the ground every time you turn and that can also cause wheel hop during a corner and that's VERY bad for the drivetrain.

The other option is to slam on it and take every corner like Chris Forsburg.

Tom Sullivan

dont mind tires, running oem 18s so theyre cheap. damage to the dt though... damage to anything id like to avoid

HRMoneyPit

Don't


Just save for a real diff

NiLL

This should be at time 10:35 ish. You can hear the tires skipping as well as this guys personal opinion on it driving one for the first time.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

welding them is for balla's on a budget.




save and do it right the first time

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

In regards to the installation fitment/compatibility. I believe the stub axles are completely different between the 03 and 08 350Zs. I have a 2006.5, and had some difficulties with an OS Super Lock LSD install. This could have been due to the trim package I have (base model) vs. Track or Grand Touring, but (if I remember correctly) it was due the unique production date of my Z (Nov 2006, one of the very last Revups produced). We had to send the diff back to OS to have the stub axles replaced to ensure proper mating with my IRDAs.

Proceed with caution. Personally I would wait and save up cash for a proper LSD, either the Quaife or OS-Giken (NS111-HA). I wouldn't trust a used VLSD unless it had very low mileage and even then, I find that many parts dealers/wreckers tend to "sugar coat" the condition of their items for sale.

Based on my own personal experience with the OS NS111, I can tell you it's an excellent differential. Extremely quiet, no gear whine what-so-ever. The locking/engagement is fantastic. It's probably the best modification I've done to my base model Z, it really brought the car to life and increased my "smiles per gallon."
-Icer

SQuaLZ

Stub axles are the same for all years. Only difference is between open diff and OEM VLSD.

From personal experience, I went from my open diff to an OEM VLSD to a Quaife.

IMO, the VLSD was a nice cheap upgrade compared with the open diff. Yea it sometimes worked and sometimes didn't work, but for the price to me it was worth it.

Now the Quaife is a total different beast. It is just so much better and so predictable.

Difference in price of $200 to $2000, so you get what you pay for.

I will be putting my OEM VLSD on the classifieds soon. Going to include Whiteline Inserts with it. If you were closer I would sell you mine, since shipping is a killer.

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

So it is a trim package issue and not a production date issue. Thanks for the clarification!
-Icer

chitownpete

The stock VLSD works great in my 04 Roadster. When I do a burnout, it leaves 2 identical stripes, when I do a tailslide/drift both wheels spin and is steer by throttle and is completely predictable and consistent. It works like every other LSD I've had. When mine wears out I'll buy another. Admittedly I just have 40,000 miles on my Z and it's not heavily abused. Buying aftermarket stuff can be fun but I have zero complaints about my OEM VLSD.

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like the P.O. Might have upgraded because I dont think the oem one would function that way even when new.

Then again with horrible tires on bleach soaked pavement anything is possible.

Tom if your going to go through the trouble find a 370z diff with the 3.7 gears and swap out the entire pumpkin, thats my advice.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

I agree, stock one wont do that

Swaglife81

I'm gonna chime in. I think if the OP is looking at a 03 differential or even welding than he is on a tight budget. I've been the guy at one time who had no problem throwing $1,000's into mods and I've been the guy who is on a tight budget. Tight budget meaning, catted down pipe or test pipes, muffler swap, spacer and pumpkin swap and be done with it. Sure a great clutch type differential is superior to a VLSD and people say just get a Quaife. I personally can't see myself spending $1,100 on just a differential, not counting a new gear and install price/fluids, gaskets, etc. I wouldn't go with a early Z/G pumpkin swap. I would try to find a later model 07 or 08 VLSD with low miles if its possible. Whatever OP does make sure you can see the part number on the diff to counter reference it to make sure it is a VLSD and not open diff. One more thing, don't spend over $300 on a used pumpkin