First and foremost, Frank and Suzanne @ Hill's Garage in Baltimore are the nicest, fastest, and most modest people I've ever met in my life. Their service is undeniably the best in the business. Not only do they do great work but their customer service is simply amazing. All of my pre and post installation concern/questions were promptly and throughly answered.

Hill's installed a set of 4.08 FD and Carbonetics Carbon disc 1.5 LSD into the rear pumpkin of my 07. I dropped off the pumpkin Saturday and the pumpkin was ready Monday afternoon. It must be of note, my installation was not scheduled until Monday. Frank did the job in just a few hours. Luckily there was no need to reshim the side bearings. Reshimming can be a hassle as it will require the installer to source new shims, which may take a few days based on availability.

Z1Auto helped with the parts by supplying the correct and necessary items including the LSD, gears, bearings, and seals. Hats off to those guys, they know whats up and can get you what you need.

There are plenty of other threads on LSD reviews so im not going to get into it too much. But basically they are all true. The factory VLSD is poop and does not provide adequate lock up. I've never had any other aftermarket LSD so I cannot comment on them. However, what I can say is that the Carbonetics LSD is just as silent as the VLSD. Engagement is very smooth and it's strong. I believe the lock up is 100%. The car feels completely different through the corners. The car actually wants to take the corner and power you all the way through it.

The gears obviously help the car pull harder by putting you in a higher RPM after each gear shift. The largest and biggest difference I can feel occurs in 3rd and 4th gear. I did not originally plan on installing these but decided why not since the factory gear ring had to be taken off anyways. The gears do create a little bit of humming, but it's not too bad.

Now for the bad. The Carbonetics LSD does require frequent oil changes. Every 3k KM or 1.8k Mi. Frank suggested the SnapOn suction gun (made by BluePoint). I've changed the oil twice already and the suction gun has not leaked yet. ::cross fingers:: As for the oil. According to the Carbonetics, Motul 90PA can be used and is sold on Amazon in bulk.

I've found many flaws in my driving after driving around in the car with a proper LSD. Throttling off mid corner often unsettles the car into a snap oversteer condition. The VLSD was very forgiving and so I never noticed my lack of discipline. I've started to commit to my corners better by slowing down more on corner entry and applying constant throttle through the corner. I am no suspension guru but I also increased the rear rebound and front compression to help with the weight shift. It seem to help but it could also be all in my mind.

In terms of cost/benefit, I'd pick LSD and gears before anything else (other than sway bars)

 

 

^LOL my thoughts exactly.

Nice going op. i would love to do the same mods down the road.

 

100% FACT. LSD upgrade was hands down the best mod I've ever done to this car. Better than a built motor and turbos. Glad your Hills experience was a good one and that you enjoy the new mod. Prepare to relearn how to drive all over again!

 

Ricer mods...

 

I just picked up an 03 pumpkin so I can do the same thing. I haven't settled on which LSD I'm going with. Leaning towards OS Giken, but I'm still in research mode. Glad to hear more confirmation that it's worth it.

 

Nice review glad your enjoying it!

I just picked up a VLSD to replace my open diff in my 08 while i save up for an OSG. ALthough i was under the impression all i needed was a VLSD dif and it was a direct swap, thats apperently not the case with the OSG. I guess you need TWO VLSD imput shafts instead of just the one...just FYI

How is the carbonetics LSD? any noise complaints?

 

I tried but failed to figure out where that pix was from. I believe it's after he got recruited and before he finally realized how good he was. My inference is based on the fact that the ricer van is in the background and the dumbfounded look on his face. What battle stage is the pix from?

Oh, i got some more rice coming. Don't you worry. FedEx is coming tomorrow. Waiting for Sept 2nd so I can register and relearn how to drive.

It is dead silent. The gears make more noise.

 

What happens on Sept 2?

 

CDC registration opens up to non-members. Or at least whats what I got from Ed's email.

"Open reservations for non-members and members will start Friday September 2nd."

 

Oh...

 

I dunno?

Anyways. Uncle ben's dollar store rice just got in. I love me some fake rims!

 

I thought everyone could register at the same time.

What size wheels?

 

19*9.5/10.5

 

I want 18x12's on all 4....

Looks like the only route to go is custom .

 

CCW

Never seen 18*12 up front. Do ettt and post pixs!

 

CCW is most likely how I would go...I already have a 10.5" on the front. It has a 285 A6 on it...which is probably as wide as any 305 street tire.

 

Pictors of the 285 set-up on front....I have since cleaned the head lights...they don't rub on the front. Untouched fenders and fenderwell....






Wheel size makes all the difference....left side is the 10.5" wheel with 285's and right side is 9" wheel with 285's.

 

Do you have to run crazy camber up front to fit 285?

 

Mine is about -2.9.....my temp spread is usually 7-9 degrees across the tread after runs. I will hack off the fender lips if need be to fit the bigger wheels/tires. In BSP we can "modify" the fenders. It's a commitment to hack the rears, though. That is pretty much the most expensive piece on the car...