diff - torsen vs aftermarket (kaaz,mazdaspeed)

JSE · Postby **JSE** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:36 pm

i know this topic has probably been raised a thousand times but i'm useless with the search function.

my diff is starting to make a nasty whining noise. for now im going to run it into the ground but when it pops i'll be looking to upgrade to an lsd.

currently its the 1.6 open diff.
im open to options of both the factory 1.8 torsens and aftermarket centres such as mazdaspeed and kaaz.

im sure people on here have had experiences with a few of these diffs (especially the factory torsens) and im wondering what is the drive like comparing torsen with say a mazdaspeed/kaaz. from what i understand the kaaz and mazdaspeed would lock up a bit better?

cheers guys

Damo · Postby **Damo** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:06 pm

If you like refinement then the clutch types probably won't be for you because you can feel them jerk and you can hear them during tight turns but on the other hand I like that you know they're there.

They don't behave like something that could have come from the factory unlike the Torsen but they're sure fun. I haven't dríven one with a Torsen though but have been in a couple of RX-8s and they seem to do a decent job.

Postby **orx626** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:25 pm

Damo wrote:They don't behave like something that could have come from the factory unlike the Torsen but they're sure fun. I haven't dríven one with a Torsen though but have been in a couple of RX-8s and they seem to do a decent job.

The RX-8 diff is a "Super-LSD" not the classic "torque sensing" design as fitted to MX-5's and 3rd gen RX-7's. The "Super-LSD" was used by Mazda as it is cheaper to manufacture (a less robust design) and is protected by DSC (dynamic stability control).

To answer JSE's question...if your vehicle is predominantly for road use you can't go past the "Torsen" fitted with a 4.3 crownwheel and pinion.

Cheers,
Danny

Postby **mx52nv** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 9:04 pm

orx626 wrote:To answer JSE's question...if your vehicle is predominantly for road use you can't go past the "Torsen" fitted with a 4.3 crownwheel and pinion.
Cheers,
Danny

I fully concur with Danny's (always good) advice and the fact that I've done this myself :mrgreen:

timk · Postby **timk** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 9:50 pm

Same; 4.3:1 is bloody awesome.

StanTheMan · Postby **StanTheMan** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 8:40 am

JSE.... Pop over & drive mine. Its a torsen 4.1. with a whooping 65RWkw.

JSE · Postby **JSE** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 1:55 pm

cheers for the responses guys. always helpful.

and i might take you up on that offer stan

matt9111 · Postby **matt9111** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:13 pm

I've never dríven a car with a KAZZ or MAZDASPEED LSD, but my girlfriend has a Blue 91 NA, with an OPEN 1.6 diff. I have the factory TORSEN 1.8, and I can tell you it's loads better than hers! I feel I can't get the power down early enough in hers, but mines great, power down straight away and away I go, also its never unpredictable, even if your being a bit silly ;)

But in saying that I wouldn't mind trying out a KAZZ fitted car.

Whats this 4.3:1 that im hearing of though? Whats the pros/cons?