I'm trying to get the Cusco or Nismo LSD for my 04 base 350z, just want to get some advice from you guys, which one should I go for?

 

Cusco 2 way.

Like this.

 

I went with the Nismo for my Base since it comes with the stub axles etc.

 

Turbo.

 

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The Nismo LSD is a great product especially since you have a base and it comes with the stub axles. The Cusco RS is a better differential because it has a smoother engagement and it is quieter. Its downside is that it is more expensive and does not come with the stub axles.

 

My Brand new in box cusco type RS lsd is for sale. 1.5 or 2 way is possible.

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197082

 

if you go nismo USE REDLINE FRICTION MODIFIER

OMG it makes a difference

using synthetic oil helps too. I use redline

my nismo LSD works very well and is very smooth with the right oil setup

if you use cheap oil and no friction modifier, it's going to suck and make noise and clunks and jerks and run hotter

 

Just done the research, looks like everyone prefer the Cusco over the Nismo, b/c the Cusco run smoother, no noise and definitely no *clunking* sound. But no wonder why everybody like to buy the Cusco without all the complete parts to do the install and cost more than the Nismo?

 

because, as you just answered for yourself, it is a better all around diff. The NISMO is a great unit - identical in fact to the Cusco MZ model. Problem is, that is does not use a spring loaded hub on the disk, and even with the best of fluids and proper breakin, it can be a bit finicky in around town driving.

The Cusco is a bit more expensive, but it has the springs for the disks making it much smoother overall, and it's adjustable from a 1.5 to 2 way, in addition to being adjustable for lockup % (NISMO is also adjustable for lockup)

Most of our customers who have bought the diff had VLSD's as standard in their cars, so the "extra" parts they got with the NISMO were a waste for them anyway - given this and the close price of the 2 pieces, is why many people go Cusco.

Both are excellent units though!

 

as said above...

NISMO because it comes with everything you need to install into your Base...

stub axles / side oil seals / side bearings...

http://www.mynismo.com/products/?id=2526&rsku=0

 

How much did you use? I am running Redline 75w90 fluid but still get a lot of chatter. It looks like the Redline friction modifer comes in a 4 oz bottle. I don't want to add too much though, so if anyone has gone through some trial and error with this already please chime in.

 

I've always had my shop do my diff fluid, but I think they use about half or 2/3 of the bottle - dunno would have to look at the bottle

 

Thanks, I'll probably try half (2 oz) and go from there.

 

i dunno, i think i'd just go by whatever the instructions say

 

Instructions just say to keep adding it until the chatter/popping goes away and be careful not to add too much. I added about 2.5 ounces and now its perfect. Still a little noisy cold, but very smooth once warmed up.

 

I don't mind the chatter much... but yes the Nismo one is clunky for street driving. It also has a weird feel in some corners. On some variable angle corners I noticed if I lift off the throttle a little the Nismo seems to unlock or something like that...its a very weird feeling but still managebale. I guess maybe I shouldn't be lifting though

 

I dunno if you already made your decision, but I have an ATS LSD for sale if you're still looking. In both performance and noise issues, it's much superior to the Nismo or Cusco.

 

the ATS also only works with the 3.5 final drive unless you go thru a huge pain in the *** to get it to work with a 3.3 or 3.9