SBR "LSD Insert" vs. Welded Diff

[perley03]

Aight, as some of you know, I'm fwd and am looking to improve my traction. I'm debating on buying a LSD insert, but what exactly does the insert do? Does it allow the inside wheel to slip during cornering, or does keep both wheels spinning at all times? If so, then what would the risks of welding the differential be than installing the insert?

By the way, I've already installed the Poly motor mounts, and have a XTD 6 puck clutch.

 

[RossY]

An lsd insert simply pushes on the spider gears making them harder to turn. With the added pressure applied to the differential it helps both tires grip when going straight but also allows the tire to slip when cornering.

A welded differential however allows no slip and both tires are always turning. I really wouldn't recommend a welded diff on a daily driver unless you like replacing tires.

Personally i have had and insert in my car for several years now with no problems and it has definitely made a difference in my tire grip.

 

[AHALLA05]

Lsd inserts do not strengthen the differential though. A welded differential is physically unbreakable but is not practical at all and isnt recommended. It really depends on what the car is being used for. If it is a daily driver and very rarely sees the track(or wheel hop i should be saying) the insert would do fine and will deffinately show an improvent over stock. If the car is geared more for the strip i would look into an lsd such as the Kazz or quaife. If it is going to be autocrossed then I think everyone would recommend the lsd. Basically the best thing you could do for yourself, the car, and for sure the transmission would be to save and just go with an lsd. Hope this helps.

Rossie: im not sure how much you take your car to the track but putting a hole in the bellhousing on a 2g can be costly. You wont find 2g turbo fwd transmissions in any junkyards around here!

 

[RossY]

Rossie: im not sure how much you take your car to the track but putting a hole in the bellhousing on a 2g can be costly. You wont find 2g turbo fwd transmissions in any junkyards around here!

I don't take it often but thats why control is important. I control my launches so that wheelhop is not a problem. He could always crap out and get a true lsd and then we wouldn't even need to have this discussion. This is the way i see it

Welded Diff = both wheels ALWAYS turning equally. Great for launching/straight line racing and much less likely to blow your spider gears through you tranny since they are essentially fused together. Makes turns a b!tch. Definitely not recommended for daily driving.

LSD insert = Both wheels turn when in a straight line, but allows for slipping so turning is not an issue. However there is added strain to your differential so controlling your launches will be important. I would recommend this for a daily driver.

A true LSD i would recomend overall as it has most all the benefits of both and none of the cons.

 

[Turbo Monk3y]

I have a welded diff in my shep stage 4 its fine for daily driving... Just use soft tires and you wont notice anything different... The only time when you can hear your tires is if you were trying to get into a taco bell drive thru....

 

[ypnas777]

The only thing about inserts is that I thought some were stronger than others in that some handle more horsepower than others. I've heard stories of inserts destroying differentials at the track. Is there an insert that can handle big numbers like 400-500 horsepower?

 

[daren_p]

The only thing about inserts is that I thought some were stronger than others in that some handle more horsepower than others. I've heard stories of inserts destroying differentials at the track. Is there an insert that can handle big numbers like 400-500 horsepower?

Don't think the inserts make it any more likely to explode the diff vs not having one but they don't strengthen the diff at all either, which IMO especially if you do go to the track should be done in a higher hp fwd. They say they seem to be good till about 400hp but a good case of wheel hop can take them out just like the stock diff. If you want max performance & the car is both a DD that sees some track time a proper LSD is defently the way to go.

 

[ypnas777]

Don't think the inserts make it any more likely to explode the diff vs not having one but they don't strengthen the diff at all either, which IMO especially if you do go to the track should be done in a higher hp fwd. They say they seem to be good till about 400hp but a good case of wheel hop can take them out just like the stock diff. If you want max performance & the car is both a DD that sees some track time a proper LSD is defently the way to go.

I heard them breaking apart has to do with the strength of the springs they use.

 

[RossY]

The only thing about inserts is that I thought some were stronger than others in that some handle more horsepower than others. I've heard stories of inserts destroying differentials at the track. Is there an insert that can handle big numbers like 400-500 horsepower?

With numbers like that you do NOT want an insert. Go with either welded or a true LSD. Putting that much strain on the drivetrain with an insert could lead to explosive results...literally.

 

[TRBOBLU]

I have a welded diff in my shep stage 4 its fine for daily driving... Just use soft tires and you wont notice anything different... The only time when you can hear your tires is if you were trying to get into a taco bell drive thru....

So do I. I wonder why everyone hates on the welded diff so bad. I only really notice it when backing out of parking spots.

 

[ypnas777]

So do I. I wonder why everyone hates on the welded diff so bad. I only really notice it when backing out of parking spots.

What do you notice thats different?

 

[DSMcamaro]

Why is it that both the people in this thread that have welded differentials are AWD's? I really want to hear from a FWD dsmer that has personally done this. Question for anyone will a welded differential, how long has it lasted so far?

 

[SBR Joe]

the lsd insert is a little more driver friendly. i had a welded diff in my AWD and at low cornering speeds it wanted to hop like a 4wd truck in 4 low. it was great for 60 foot times but it got annoying and chewed up tires. if your doing less than 400 whp and drive t id reccomend the insert, any more than that a welded diff would be more practical.


Joe
Slowboy Racing

 

[TealTalon]

The original poster has a GST according to his profile. I don't think he wants opinions on how people like their welded center differential.

Do not weld your diff on a fwd for street use. I have not personally experienced this, but have spoken with someone who has it in their race car. Watching them drive around at the track I can't fathom driving it on the street.