This may sound like a dumb question but here it is.

I have a 03.5 6mt sedan without LSD. I believe the 04 started coming with the LSD. I recently purchased a SC and was wondering if I am going to have any issues with not having LSD?

My concern is a 2 part concern.

Currently when I take off under WOT from 1 gear to 2nd and can get both tires to spin. Sometimes only 1 tire will spin causing a slight fishtail. Going to a Stillen SC, I am starting to worry about "slight fishtail". With all that extra TQ is it reasonable to think that the fishtail is going to get worse? Should I go ahead and get a LSD. If so, what kind?

My 2nd concern is what kind of issues am I going to start to experience once I start going to the track?


Begin...

 

I have a base 350Z without the LSD, and from what I hear, the stock LSD that comes with the higher models is really not much better. If you do upgrade, I think it will be best to get the Nismo 1.5 way, or even the Cusco 2.0 way, instead of getting the factory LSD that other models come with. Honestly with a Stillen SC, I doubt it will be all that necessary, but if the cash is handy, then upgrade (only $1000).

 

I put on the quaife lsd I got from forgedinternals.com soon after turbo install. it made traction much better at the drag strip, at the road course, and on the street. it's a little pricey, but it is silent and extremely effective.

 

If you like a nice quiet street car then the Nismo is NOT the diff for you. While it works absolutely great for me if I cared about my car being quiet and not feeling like a track only drift car all the time I would be pissed. Even with a gear oil change the Nismo diff is VERY chattery (if thats a word) and is a bit cumbersome. I also noticed that when cornering the diff tends to (at least feels like) lock and unlock. It creates kind of a push pull feeling on the car. It only happens on turns in which I am changing the angle of my turn. Its kinda hard to describe. I think the diff is geared more towards drag/drift then road racing. Not that it cant be used for either. I have my lockup set to 60% and it still locks pretty much on EVERY slow speed turn. If I could do it again I would have waited and gotten the Quaife or ATS diffs.

 

Yep.

Perfect explaination MIA. Quaife is quieter. Mike B. (Project Double Down) has one. It is more expensive though. The Nismo works outstanding for the money. Quiet cost more I guess, almost twice at $1600-$1800 and the Nismo only $600-$800.

M

 

The ATS is also a diff I considered heavily post Nismo. The cost is a bit less then the Quaife http://www.forgedinternals.com/store...cat=261&page=1

 

If your a base Z owner the ATS is still more once you factor in the stub axles you will need. Where the quiafe is made for the base already.

 

Don't forget guys, with the Base version Z... Unless you go with the Quaife (which uses the OEM axles stubs), you will need to get the VLSD stubs that come on the higher trim level Z's.

Which also means if you go with the KAAZ, Cusco, Nismo, etc... You will need those stubs, and there are not cheap.

Go with the Quaife, and I hated having the open diff... You will like the LSD so much better


Also if you are not experienced or going to be doing something like drifting go with just a 1.5 way not a 2 way.

 

Great information!

Goodluck.

M

 

my nismo LSD actually does a lot more than I was expecting it would. I don't fishtail anymore and if I did a burn out or a light launch, it for sure doesn't leave one tread mark on the ground. Much much better cornering traction

It should be one of the first things people do who want traction for any type of driving

Just a FYI, for anyone considering 3.9 gears, I think the ATS doesn't work with it

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll look at either the Quaife or the Nismo. Probably the Quaife if it is quieter wiser choice to go with. Thanks for you help. What is the benefits to going with a 1.5 vs. a 2.0 LSD?

 

Seriously, the Quaife would be better IMO... And noise, how can one really judge noise unless they have "heard" all of them.

Esp. consider that with the Quaife you use the stock OEM Base stubs, and no need for new oil seals, etc... So very simple drop in kind of deal, while with the Nismo you will need new oil seals, VLSD axle stubs, and those stubs are expensive not to mention more work for the install. Along with the Quaife will use normal diff oil, but I would still get Royal Purple Max Gear or the equivalent from Red Line.

My Cusco is quite, only noise is from the tires chirping at low speeds. But no
"noise"...

Also...

"In 1.5 way mode, the LSD activates under acceleration. Understeer is less than on the 2 way LSD. Recommended for drivers having difficulty with 2 way LSD understeer, or for those not wanting to setup for drift use.

The two way LSD activates on both acceleration and deceleration. Recommended for those who prefer hot driving action and big angle drift".

More information can be found on LSD main websites.

 

Mostly right. While I am not condoning the Nismo unit it does come with new stub axels, oil seals, shims, bolts, oil, etc. Basically the Nismo comes with everything you need to install it into a base model Z without having to pay for ANYTHING else but labor.

 

I think the Nismo will not suit your needs. They are noisy as heck.

If you have a base setup, the most cost effective way is the Quaife, since it requires no extra parts. If you did the ATS Carbon diff, you will need a set of VLSD stub axles, which are roughly $300 for the pair.

 

Oh I see, well that was very nice of Nismo to include all of that... But after seeing this thread I had read other threads that said like Sharif was saying that the Nismo has some noise.

So I guess it is noticable, one member had the Nismo first then swapped to Quaife. He says he likes the Quaife alot more, so go figure I guess lol.

 

Since we're in the diff conversation, how streetable is the Cusco RS (only option I have for a 5AT)...

 

+1. And I like to hear of any alternatives if any...

 

Oh I dont disagree. In fact I agree whole heartedly. I have the Nismo and personally dont mind the noise but most people would hate it...

 

the nismo makes some bad noise if you don't have the right oil in it - and some redline friction modifier. Otherwise it sounds like the car is broken. It's been smooth for me though

 

no one else has the Cusco RS 1.5Way? it's clutch type and significantly quieter than the Nismo or the KAAZ diffs. i highly recommend this unit. for street price of around $900, its a good alternative to the Nismo and although different in design from the quiafe- probably just as good. (expect you dont have the problem gear-type Lsd when you lift one wheel)

+1111111 on the Cusco RS. engagement is smooth, minimal noise on slow turns and its great for both street and the track.


https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ighlight=cusco