Tripping on Kaaz LSD!
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From: NJ
Tripping on Kaaz LSD!
Well folks,
The KAAZ LSD is on!!
I had the great guys at SPI Power Excel do the install. It took a lot longer than expected because apparently the differential housings for Zs with and Zs without LSD are different. So they needed to order two new bearings and seals for an LSD-equipped Z to get the Kaaz unit to fit. So, it took about a week, mostly waiting for the parts to show up, as opposed to 3-4 days. SPI told me it's about a 10-hour job, and charged me as such. They also broke it in for me-
As for the unit, it's a fairly standard 2-way limited slip with a 30% lock-up rate since this is for a street car. Drag apps could have a 70% or 100% lock-up.
I'll tell you right now, I'm still in the midst of breaking the diff in, so it's still a little bit noisy, but only when you're making a very sharp, very slow turn, and then only sometimes. The sound you hear is kinda like a muffled thok-thok-thok. Otherwise you wouldn't know it's there. If you had the music up, I don't think you'd hear it.
I'll be honest: at first, driving home, I had this knot in my stomach, thinking "what the hell have I done to my car" since you will hear some noise & vibration when the diff is new. As for feel, it rather reminds me of driving a 4WD car: steering is a touch heavy, but it feels as if the car is hooking up nicely no matter what. It feels as if the car is 'planted' when you're pushing it.
Now, do I think everyone should get a clutch LSD? I would say no; if you have an LSD-equipped Z, I don't really see a need for this on a street car. Plus the cost to purchase and install adds up. But if you drag, drift or do country road driving, it's worth considering. I just know I have had too many occasions where I lost grip when I needed it. Having the LSD could definitely be annoying on a daily-driven car (you need to change the diff oil every 3000 miles). Maybe my opinion will change as time and miles pass.
Overall though, I'm pretty happy with it, hopefully I'll get even more pleased in the coming few days. I'll let you all know how it goes-
The KAAZ LSD is on!!
I had the great guys at SPI Power Excel do the install. It took a lot longer than expected because apparently the differential housings for Zs with and Zs without LSD are different. So they needed to order two new bearings and seals for an LSD-equipped Z to get the Kaaz unit to fit. So, it took about a week, mostly waiting for the parts to show up, as opposed to 3-4 days. SPI told me it's about a 10-hour job, and charged me as such. They also broke it in for me-As for the unit, it's a fairly standard 2-way limited slip with a 30% lock-up rate since this is for a street car. Drag apps could have a 70% or 100% lock-up.
I'll tell you right now, I'm still in the midst of breaking the diff in, so it's still a little bit noisy, but only when you're making a very sharp, very slow turn, and then only sometimes. The sound you hear is kinda like a muffled thok-thok-thok. Otherwise you wouldn't know it's there. If you had the music up, I don't think you'd hear it.
I'll be honest: at first, driving home, I had this knot in my stomach, thinking "what the hell have I done to my car" since you will hear some noise & vibration when the diff is new. As for feel, it rather reminds me of driving a 4WD car: steering is a touch heavy, but it feels as if the car is hooking up nicely no matter what. It feels as if the car is 'planted' when you're pushing it.
Now, do I think everyone should get a clutch LSD? I would say no; if you have an LSD-equipped Z, I don't really see a need for this on a street car. Plus the cost to purchase and install adds up. But if you drag, drift or do country road driving, it's worth considering. I just know I have had too many occasions where I lost grip when I needed it. Having the LSD could definitely be annoying on a daily-driven car (you need to change the diff oil every 3000 miles). Maybe my opinion will change as time and miles pass.
Overall though, I'm pretty happy with it, hopefully I'll get even more pleased in the coming few days.
I'll let you all know how it goes-
Wow, it only took you 4 months to get it installed! 
Why did the differential sway require 10 hours of labor?
Keep us updated on how the car's understeer / oversteer characteristics have changed once you finish your break-in period...
Why did the differential sway require 10 hours of labor?
Keep us updated on how the car's understeer / oversteer characteristics have changed once you finish your break-in period...
Big mistake!!! Kazz LSD's are very noisey. I wouldn't put one of those LSD's even if I got it for free! Funny, your describing those noises because as I was reading it I know exactly what your talking about. Specially when you turn, you hear a clink clink. If your going to put an aftermarket LSD, get Quaife. Did you also change the oil? Using Kazz oil can help rid some of that noise... Trust me, I have experienced and friends have that LSD. Im not saying the LSD doesn't work because it does, but just way to noisy for the average "Street car".
If you want the aggressiveness of a clutch type LSD (which is FAR superior to the stock Nissan unit) without the chatter or noise, wait for the ATS carbon fiber LSD upgrade. All the advantages of your Kaaz unit but no need to change dif oil except every 30,000 miles and silent and smooth in operation. that and the plates last the life of the car under street conditions. I carry both types of difs but recommend the carbon for folks with AWD or RWD. The Kaaz are excellent units as well though and the price can not be beat.
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From: NJ
Wicked,
I see your point, but the sound shows up whenever I make a real tight turn. Usually you don't hear anything. Kaaz tells me the Z's unit sports a new design with extra plates that helps reduce the noise. And yes, I'm using their oil as well. I researched Quaife but they're not making an LSD for the Z. Plus their units are $1000+.
Guru,
Haven't heard from you in a while. How're things? When do you think the ATS unit will be available?
Hedonist,
Well, to get at the back of transmission, it seems you have to remove the exhaust so I waited until the Power Enterprise exhaust showed up to install both at the same time. They installed the exhaust for free. I guess opening up the transmission and getting the old unit out and the new one is what takes so long.
CASHFLW,
The unit cost me something like $850 I think. It was so long ago.
Guru sells them.
I see your point, but the sound shows up whenever I make a real tight turn. Usually you don't hear anything. Kaaz tells me the Z's unit sports a new design with extra plates that helps reduce the noise. And yes, I'm using their oil as well. I researched Quaife but they're not making an LSD for the Z. Plus their units are $1000+.
Guru,
Haven't heard from you in a while. How're things? When do you think the ATS unit will be available?
Hedonist,
Well, to get at the back of transmission, it seems you have to remove the exhaust so I waited until the Power Enterprise exhaust showed up to install both at the same time. They installed the exhaust for free. I guess opening up the transmission and getting the old unit out and the new one is what takes so long.
CASHFLW,
The unit cost me something like $850 I think. It was so long ago.
Guru sells them.
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From: NJ
Updates...
Well, it's been about 200 miles since break-in.
Things have settled down a bit... you hear not a thing if you're travelling faster than 10-15MPH... but if you make a slow, tight turn (such as backing out of a parking space), you'll start to hear that inside tire skip and a bit of clunking. It's kinda disconcerting, but normal.
The difference really is night and day though. Driving around, even in the rain, the car feels tight, locked in. With the open diff, there were occasions when a tire would slip under mild acceleration. And I spun right off the road once when I ran over a frozen metal grate. Admittedly, I haven't pushed the car hard but there is definitely a noticeable difference. I need this rain to stop so I can take it for a country road drive.
As for the noise, it's definitely bothersome if you're not used to it, scary the first time cause you think the thing is breaking apart. On the whole, I don't think it's bad but other people might. I'm going try Redline Shockproof to see if this will cut down on the noise even more. If the car is daily driven, it's not a good idea; try sourcing a viscous LSD instead. For a hard-driven/drag/track car, Kaaz is a great, great idea, esp. given the weakness of the stock LSD. As it is, I will in time probably switch to the ATS carbon LSD to have the best of both worlds, even though it may cost me a grip ($1250+!
).
For what it's worth, Cusco and Nismo's LSDs are clutch-type, and the S14 guys report that the Nismo is just as loud as Kaaz is. Only potential difference is that Nismo may be 1.5-way, which is a bit more streetable according to my research.
Things have settled down a bit... you hear not a thing if you're travelling faster than 10-15MPH... but if you make a slow, tight turn (such as backing out of a parking space), you'll start to hear that inside tire skip and a bit of clunking. It's kinda disconcerting, but normal.
The difference really is night and day though. Driving around, even in the rain, the car feels tight, locked in. With the open diff, there were occasions when a tire would slip under mild acceleration. And I spun right off the road once when I ran over a frozen metal grate. Admittedly, I haven't pushed the car hard but there is definitely a noticeable difference. I need this rain to stop so I can take it for a country road drive.
As for the noise, it's definitely bothersome if you're not used to it, scary the first time cause you think the thing is breaking apart. On the whole, I don't think it's bad but other people might. I'm going try Redline Shockproof to see if this will cut down on the noise even more. If the car is daily driven, it's not a good idea; try sourcing a viscous LSD instead. For a hard-driven/drag/track car, Kaaz is a great, great idea, esp. given the weakness of the stock LSD. As it is, I will in time probably switch to the ATS carbon LSD to have the best of both worlds, even though it may cost me a grip ($1250+!
). For what it's worth, Cusco and Nismo's LSDs are clutch-type, and the S14 guys report that the Nismo is just as loud as Kaaz is. Only potential difference is that Nismo may be 1.5-way, which is a bit more streetable according to my research.
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Anyone think that a Phantom Grip would be a viable solution for the non-LSD folks? They definitely aren't in the same league as a real LSD but do a good job for most street cars. I just don't know if having 287hp is too much!
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
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From: Souhtern Cali
Originally posted by nosuchsol
Anyone think that a Phantom Grip would be a viable solution for the non-LSD folks? They definitely aren't in the same league as a real LSD but do a good job for most street cars. I just don't know if having 287hp is too much!
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
Anyone think that a Phantom Grip would be a viable solution for the non-LSD folks? They definitely aren't in the same league as a real LSD but do a good job for most street cars. I just don't know if having 287hp is too much!
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
The phantom grip is a piece of crap just save uo and get a real LSD . Trust me a friend installed one a honda making less then 200 hp and the phantom grip gave and broke his diff and also his tranny so . My advice is to get a Real LSD
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From: Souhtern Cali
Re: Updates...
Originally posted by Daytona
Well, it's been about 200 miles since break-in.
Things have settled down a bit... you hear not a thing if you're travelling faster than 10-15MPH... but if you make a slow, tight turn (such as backing out of a parking space), you'll start to hear that inside tire skip and a bit of clunking. It's kinda disconcerting, but normal.
The difference really is night and day though. Driving around, even in the rain, the car feels tight, locked in. With the open diff, there were occasions when a tire would slip under mild acceleration. And I spun right off the road once when I ran over a frozen metal grate. Admittedly, I haven't pushed the car hard but there is definitely a noticeable difference. I need this rain to stop so I can take it for a country road drive.
As for the noise, it's definitely bothersome if you're not used to it, scary the first time cause you think the thing is breaking apart. On the whole, I don't think it's bad but other people might. I'm going try Redline Shockproof to see if this will cut down on the noise even more. If the car is daily driven, it's not a good idea; try sourcing a viscous LSD instead. For a hard-driven/drag/track car, Kaaz is a great, great idea, esp. given the weakness of the stock LSD. As it is, I will in time probably switch to the ATS carbon LSD to have the best of both worlds, even though it may cost me a grip ($1250+! ).
For what it's worth, Cusco and Nismo's LSDs are clutch-type, and the S14 guys report that the Nismo is just as loud as Kaaz is. Only potential difference is that Nismo may be 1.5-way, which is a bit more streetable according to my research.
Well, it's been about 200 miles since break-in.
Things have settled down a bit... you hear not a thing if you're travelling faster than 10-15MPH... but if you make a slow, tight turn (such as backing out of a parking space), you'll start to hear that inside tire skip and a bit of clunking. It's kinda disconcerting, but normal.
The difference really is night and day though. Driving around, even in the rain, the car feels tight, locked in. With the open diff, there were occasions when a tire would slip under mild acceleration. And I spun right off the road once when I ran over a frozen metal grate. Admittedly, I haven't pushed the car hard but there is definitely a noticeable difference. I need this rain to stop so I can take it for a country road drive.
As for the noise, it's definitely bothersome if you're not used to it, scary the first time cause you think the thing is breaking apart. On the whole, I don't think it's bad but other people might. I'm going try Redline Shockproof to see if this will cut down on the noise even more. If the car is daily driven, it's not a good idea; try sourcing a viscous LSD instead. For a hard-driven/drag/track car, Kaaz is a great, great idea, esp. given the weakness of the stock LSD. As it is, I will in time probably switch to the ATS carbon LSD to have the best of both worlds, even though it may cost me a grip ($1250+!
). For what it's worth, Cusco and Nismo's LSDs are clutch-type, and the S14 guys report that the Nismo is just as loud as Kaaz is. Only potential difference is that Nismo may be 1.5-way, which is a bit more streetable according to my research.
I'm glad that u r enjoying the lsd and the slow turning noise well become quiter after all the gears settle in
Originally posted by Hedonist
Wow, it only took you 4 months to get it installed!
Why did the differential sway require 10 hours of labor?
Keep us updated on how the car's understeer / oversteer characteristics have changed once you finish your break-in period...
Wow, it only took you 4 months to get it installed!
Why did the differential sway require 10 hours of labor?
Keep us updated on how the car's understeer / oversteer characteristics have changed once you finish your break-in period...
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From: NJ
Originally posted by 350z4steve
yeah 4 months ago from when purchased what happened? Anyway glad you got in on...but 10 hours is a bit excessive I took it to the experts and they were done with it in 4 hours including breakin which according to Kaaz is only 30 min of doing slow speed figure eights.. other than that I got mine installed @ 3000K im nearing 5000K and all I can say is its awesome and that along with my jic flt-a2's has made a great car handle like a track car! no complaints at all getting all that power to the ground is awesome! As for noise? well once I changed my stock tires and rims setup and put on the wider meats and volks its like what noise? dont even hear it unless you are really paying attention to it and even then those around you dont even know it from a stock car in slow parking type turns..its great!!!
yeah 4 months ago from when purchased what happened? Anyway glad you got in on...but 10 hours is a bit excessive I took it to the experts and they were done with it in 4 hours including breakin which according to Kaaz is only 30 min of doing slow speed figure eights.. other than that I got mine installed @ 3000K im nearing 5000K and all I can say is its awesome and that along with my jic flt-a2's has made a great car handle like a track car! no complaints at all getting all that power to the ground is awesome! As for noise? well once I changed my stock tires and rims setup and put on the wider meats and volks its like what noise? dont even hear it unless you are really paying attention to it and even then those around you dont even know it from a stock car in slow parking type turns..its great!!!
coupled with the fact that I thought I was having some troubles with the gearbox, but that was all cleared up with a fluid change. For anyone interested, S14 guys say using (of all things) Gen. Motors LSD additive makes the plates slip more smoothly and quietly.
Originally posted by nosuchsol
Anyone think that a Phantom Grip would be a viable solution for the non-LSD folks? They definitely aren't in the same league as a real LSD but do a good job for most street cars. I just don't know if having 287hp is too much!
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
Anyone think that a Phantom Grip would be a viable solution for the non-LSD folks? They definitely aren't in the same league as a real LSD but do a good job for most street cars. I just don't know if having 287hp is too much!
For those who don't know what I'm referring to:
The phantom grip is a device that's 2 metal plates and a heavy spring inside(i think it's a spring) that's sandwiched between the open gears in the diff housing and it basically transfers via pressure to lock up the gears. It's an interesting concept. I guess it's the reversible "welding" your spidergears together.
It's a POS unit, you get what you paid for...
Originally posted by Daytona
Well, it took 4 months due to the absolutely horrendous weather the Northeast has had for the past ohhhhh 6 months coupled with the fact that I thought I was having some troubles with the gearbox, but that was all cleared up with a fluid change.
For anyone interested, S14 guys say using (of all things) Gen. Motors LSD additive makes the plates slip more smoothly and quietly.
Well, it took 4 months due to the absolutely horrendous weather the Northeast has had for the past ohhhhh 6 months
coupled with the fact that I thought I was having some troubles with the gearbox, but that was all cleared up with a fluid change. For anyone interested, S14 guys say using (of all things) Gen. Motors LSD additive makes the plates slip more smoothly and quietly.
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From: NJ
500 miles later...
Well, any misgivings I had before are gone
The unit is a lot quieter now and smoother. I didn't elect to add the friction modifier since I really don't think the diff needs it right now. In the dry, you don't have any more of the less civilized characteristics like the wheel spin and the clunk of the plates coming together. In the rain though, you still feel the effect of the plates. This has subsided A LOT too as time passes. You almost wouldn't know it was there. Even in very slow parking-type turns.
On the road, in a turn, on the throttle, you feel the back end slickly pivot about an axis. Not anything scary, like the old 911s, just the car straightening up, if that makes sense. So the car isn't plowing as much as it used to, and it definitely feels more manueverable.
And all that traction in a straight line don't hurt either. Need to get this thing on the strip and see if I can drop a 13.6 or better.
The unit is a lot quieter now and smoother. I didn't elect to add the friction modifier since I really don't think the diff needs it right now. In the dry, you don't have any more of the less civilized characteristics like the wheel spin and the clunk of the plates coming together. In the rain though, you still feel the effect of the plates. This has subsided A LOT too as time passes. You almost wouldn't know it was there. Even in very slow parking-type turns.
On the road, in a turn, on the throttle, you feel the back end slickly pivot about an axis. Not anything scary, like the old 911s, just the car straightening up, if that makes sense. So the car isn't plowing as much as it used to, and it definitely feels more manueverable.
And all that traction in a straight line don't hurt either.
Need to get this thing on the strip and see if I can drop a 13.6 or better.
Re: 500 miles later...
Originally posted by Daytona
Well, any misgivings I had before are gone
The unit is a lot quieter now and smoother. I didn't elect to add the friction modifier since I really don't think the diff needs it right now. In the dry, you don't have any more of the less civilized characteristics like the wheel spin and the clunk of the plates coming together. In the rain though, you still feel the effect of the plates. This has subsided A LOT too as time passes. You almost wouldn't know it was there. Even in very slow parking-type turns.
On the road, in a turn, on the throttle, you feel the back end slickly pivot about an axis. Not anything scary, like the old 911s, just the car straightening up, if that makes sense. So the car isn't plowing as much as it used to, and it definitely feels more manueverable.
And all that traction in a straight line don't hurt either. Need to get this thing on the strip and see if I can drop a 13.6 or better.
Well, any misgivings I had before are gone
The unit is a lot quieter now and smoother. I didn't elect to add the friction modifier since I really don't think the diff needs it right now. In the dry, you don't have any more of the less civilized characteristics like the wheel spin and the clunk of the plates coming together. In the rain though, you still feel the effect of the plates. This has subsided A LOT too as time passes. You almost wouldn't know it was there. Even in very slow parking-type turns.
On the road, in a turn, on the throttle, you feel the back end slickly pivot about an axis. Not anything scary, like the old 911s, just the car straightening up, if that makes sense. So the car isn't plowing as much as it used to, and it definitely feels more manueverable.
And all that traction in a straight line don't hurt either.
Need to get this thing on the strip and see if I can drop a 13.6 or better.
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