Just curious what you all have to say on the subject.

http://www.phantomgrip.com/how_it_works.htm

Whatever your opinion, fire away.

 

No. Nope. No way.

 

NEGATIVE, GHOSTRIDER.

 

Get a Kaaz, Cusco or NISMO. Or swap in a stock viscous unit.

Phantom Grip units don't work as well as a true clutch-type or gear-based LSD. Lots of people righteously shoot down the PG but don't explain why. Here's why: they use the (slightly modified) stock spider gears in your open diff and basically forces them together (using those two spring-loaded plates you see) to maintain traction. Essentially a modified stock open differential. In some (perhaps all) cases, you need to machine down the spider gears so they fit in the PG unit. This is added labor cost (a few hours). It doesn't have the 'strength' of a clutch-type or gear-type; it's easy to overcome the locking effect. This is tolerable on a low-HP app perhaps, but the Z puts down a decent amount of torque. It is an improvement over a simple open differential, but nowhere near as effective as a viscous or aftermarket LSD. Does this make sense?

I figure, it's not cheap to crack open the tranny, so I would get a higher-quality unit like the ones named above. I had a Kaaz unit in my 350Z; it worked very well. Tons of traction in a straight line, plenty of ability to power out of turns, plus I could drift. A little extreme for the street, but much more tolerable with Redline fluid in it. I'm told the Cusco unit is more civil. j's350Z has the Nismo. He likes it.

 

Chris,
Thanks for taking the time ....that was very good.

I have the NISMO unit in my car, set to a very aggressive lock up...and
I love every single obnoxious loud moment with it =)

It clunks ...rattles...but OH BOY...is it fun!

=)
C-

 

PATTERN IS FULL

 

Can you use Redline? Kaaz's standard oil was overpriced and wasn't all that good a lubricant. Redline was a lot cheaper and a lot better in terms of making the diff smooth and quiet.

 

the NISMO should not amke any unusual noises - if it does, its not setup properly

Best bet is swapping with someone who upgraded their diff - I have mine still lurking around someplace I think

 

I really think people do not break them in proper either.

I did a VSLD swap, biggest waste of money I have ever done to any car I have ever owned in my lifetime. Lack of performance and actual high cost are the reason's, and I only paid $100 for a VLS core that only had 15 miles at best on it. It's all the other cost's that add up. $100 for LSD bearings and seals, $300 LSD stub axle's and $400 for installation. THAT'S $900 and you still end up with a LSD that slips way way to much before it locks up. And that's just aggresive street driving, not a day goes by were I'm not reminded that I made a $900 mistake in doing the swap.
For $950, the Nismo LSD comes with the bearings, the stub axles, even the oil, that's $400 in parts you do not have to buy, meaning for only $550 more, I could have installed the real deal, a very hard lesson learned here. And even if I only paid $450 somehow, I'd still consider is a mistake because it just does not deliver a effective benefit, I should have known better.

 

Listen,

I own a base.

The noise NOW versus PRIOR to installing the LSD is quite significant..

I did not mean to suggest that the thing sounds like a can full of rocks strapped to the rear...but it makes noise....little clunks here an there..
all of which are sweet symphony to my ears...

C-

 

GSedan - I hear ya on the economics side...its not a cheap mod at all to upgrade to the VLSD.

 

I agree about the noise. I drive a lot and with a lot of daily city driving I couldn't handle it anymore...so I sold my KAAZ LSD. I will get a Quaife when it comes out for the 350Z. I really miss the performance from the diff.....but not the noise......not in the least.