Gale Banks explaining the science behind differential covers. Dispelling myths like more capacity equals better cooling regardless of diff cover design.


Very informative.

If I understand correctly, according to the data, some aftermarket diff cover designs actually work the fluid more (generating heat), create aeration, and lubricate less than some oem designs. For example, the NISMO cover keeps oem design but allows the fluid to travel to the front of the differential, where as the z1 flat back cover has that lower cavity (to increase capacity) that traps fluid from flowing to the front and lubricating those parts via the round groove that most oem covers have. Good stuff

 

Very cool video from a very smart guy - I too drank the 'high capacity = better cooling' koolaid until I saw this video. OEM's will almost always have to make compromises in their mass production parts, but this proves once again that very few people/organizations have the engineering resources to truly improve on an OEM design.

 

I agree that capacity is overrated. It wont obviate the need for a cooler anyway.

Also, Z1 claims it retains the OEM design, although there definitely is the slope on the baffle. I also like the extra port for the cooler oil return...it makes filling it easier.

I run the Nismo cover, so I need to remove the AN return line to fill and prime it.