So, I am ready to purchase the Wavetrac Diff...from what I can tell this will fit into either style OEM Diff (Open and VLSD)... with the VLSD requiring one stub axle to be replaced... correct?

So my question is: Has anybody converted an Open style OEM 350Z diff to a Wavetrac??? If so can you give some installation direction or comments?

A local buddy of mine is doing a Diff swap with me...and he has an open diff to trade for my Carbonetics so this will work out good for me...and him

Note: I did search and find like 9865876 pages of diff conversion threads, nothing about the Wavetrac specifically, and with most mentioning C-clips that would not fit, and the long/short stub axle issue with the VLSD...anything else I should know.

I will be calling Wavetrac Monday to ask about using a Oil cooler...and the recommended racing oil...as they are somewhat coy about this in the website...but clears sez do not use RedLine Shockproof or anything with friction modifiers...( I use Redline successfully today and for the last 9 years)

AND ask about the Warranty will talk with Nissan Motorsports as well.



Wavetrac® Differential, Nissan 350Z/370Z MT (export only)


Wavetrac® LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL NISSAN 350Z M/T 2003-2008 NISSAN 370Z M/T 2009-2010 In USA and Canada, contact: Nissan Motorsports Nissan North America tel: (888) 833-3225 email: nmc.race@nissan-usa.com VEHICLES WITH OEM VISCOUS LSD MUST REPLACE RH AXLE FLANGE WITH NISSAN #38220-AR000 (1 req) FLANGE TO INSTALL WAVETRAC.

Wavetrac® diffs are state-of-the-art helical gear differentials designed, developed, and manufactured in the USA by Autotech Driveline. The Wavetrac® Differential is the only torque biasing differential on the market with patent-pending technology that mitigates wheelspin when an unloaded wheel condition arises. During zero axle load conditions, the Wavetrac cam device acts to create internal load, maintaining drive on the gripping wheel instead of acting like an open diff (and going nowhere!). Super strong 9310 alloy steel gears are enclosed in case-hardened steel bodies, held together with ARP® fasteners. All Wavetrac® differentials include a transferable, Limited Lifetime Warranty.

 

Just installed all the suspension parts on my build down here in Florida and I also am having trouble with rear ride height and oversteer. Did you guys decide to remove the helper springs to lower the rear? Did the oversteer correct with sway adjustments alone? This is my first build (more expensive than planned but also more fun than anticipated) so I appreciate any help or suggestions.
BTW, I have to agree with the concerns about weight and tires and diff. My 2004 is currently at 3180 with a 1/4 tank and as stripped as I can get it. 275 also seems like a lot of tire for the front 9 inch rims and I too really like my Nismo LSD.

 

I left the helper springs off. The oversteer was corrected when I switched to the spec sways AND set them at full soft. The T2 car had some other sways in there before, supposedly NISMOs but couldn't really tell.

Seems my car goes through fuel starvation when it approaches 1/3 tank of gas, so there's weight I'll simply be donating. NISMO LSD no bueno for the spec class.

 

Helper springs can't be deleted. Must use suspension kit as whole or nothing, dkmura read it same way. Also ballast must be in pass seat area so my tricks are out. I thought I could read the rules to cut the metal for bins but no bueno there either. Weird rules but challenging, glad I can't do anything till next year anyways so you guys can sort it out.

 

Helper springs will allow you to go lower than you would be able to without them.

 

I put all my gear and everything in the car this weekend to do a corner balance. The car weighed 3100lbs exactly with me in it and just a little over 3/4 tank of fuel. Although, my car isn't 100% spec. My heater core, blower fan and dash are all removed. Everything else I think is good. I have not removed the metal enclosure behind the seats either. I did have 18x9.5" RPF-1's all around on the car, too.

Scott, what's your feedback on the Wavetrac after this past weekend?

 

I just think removing the metal enclosure behind the seats would clean the car up a bunch

 

I agree totally. It would save a good chunk of weight, too. I believe it is legal for TT/PT, but I doubt Spec Z.

 

Questions:
How did it handle?
what size wheels and spacers are you running?
do you have a diff cooler?
What are the base settings for the dampers that you used?
general comments?

 

We asked Paul St. Claire at NISMO about the helper springs - waiting to hear back.

I must be doing something wrong, then, because that's not what we experienced when they were installed.

WT felt good, to be honest. The car was neutral, WT was not clunky, loud, or unpredictable. I was able to get on the gas as early as I was used to. Stupid Youtube uploader keeps failing, but I did manage my best lap ever at Thunderhill last weekend, about 1.5s faster than in my green track Z (and big green is lighter and makes more power).

You guys are referring to "the metal enclosure" behind the seats. You mean all the metal that houses the cubbies for the storage bins, etc., and are talking about cutting all that out or other?

I followed David's recs and started with the sways. I dialed in so that the Z was had a touch of oversteer, then set the dampeners to the recommended starting values per their literature. I didn't have time to adjust them further, and the car felt pretty good there, though I'll continue to fine tune it over the next events. I did not try the spec tire, but will get many shots this weekend.

 

My development path is different than other Spec Z racers as I'm converting my Z33 over from T2 specs. Using basically the same settings as T2 spec, the car was neutral with just a touch of corner entry understeer. I could control exit rotation with throttle application, so that worked out well. Used the 9.0 fronts and 10.0 rears with a 13 mm spacer up front.

Never used a diff cooler and don't plan on doing so. With the finned diff cover and the correct synthetic lube, there shouldn't be a problem with the sprint races we have in NASA. With dampers, I started with 4 (out of 9) in the rebound setting and didn't touch bounce all weekend. I'll play with that a bit more for the Rocky Mountain NASA opener at PPIR this weekend.

As for general comments, I'm still puzzled as to the rear spring/shock heights, but the car seems to handle well in spite of it. Since we have to run the entire KW kit (no deleting of the rear helper spring allowed), I see no alternative than to develop it as is.

 

Scott, Dkmura- happy with the front camber you can achieve without UCA's?

 

Well, that's good to hear. No inside wheel spin or anything?

Yes, I was referring to removing the metal where the speakers and glove boxes were behind the seats.

 

I had to purchase NIS38220-AR011 Flange RETAIL $174.85 for the install. . .

 

Negative

 

Yeah.. true helper springs should do the exactly opposite. They will merely be spacers under the load of the car and raise the ride height with all things left equal.

Good to hear I thought this might be a trouble spot from other accounts, and the fact it was a torsen-like hybrid diff.

 

Scott, was your diff originally a VLSD?

or a base model Open diff?

JE

 

Ok, just spoke with Autotech about the Wavetrac:

1. What oil should I run in a race car? I got the standard answer; use the "factory fill" but DO NOT USE anything with a friction modifier. So racing grade oil is fine, he mentioned Redline MT90...but they DO NOT have an OFFICIAL recommended fluid for racing!

2. Is an Oil cooler recommended? NO, but it is nice thing to have.

3. Is the Wavetrac Diff warranty good when used in a race car? YES! as long is it not tampered/modified.

4. Is any other parts required to install the Wavetrac into an OEM "Open" diff? NO!

Ok, so I am ordering my diff today...to be installed in a OEM Open Diff.

 

Yeah, my WT diff was built from a VLSD.

Yeah, "factory fill" = CYA. I used Motul PA90, which should work with their warranty CYAs.

 

Yes, I'm happy to get -2.5 degrees out of the KVs for starters. I could never get near that with my DA Konis, but I've got to experiment more to find the limits.