lsd

[rysmee]

just wondering if anyone can explain the difference between a torque biasing diff (eg.. quaife) and an lsd?

i've also seen lsd's reffered to as 'plate type' - are there different types avaliable for the nova as to me it looks like a complete unit.
thanks

[Stuart]

an atb is full of gears that slide accross and give nearly equal torque to both wheels. this needs little to no maintenence

a plate diff needs setting up to how you want the torque to be distributed, its variable from a fullopen (normal) diff to a totally locked diff. the only problem with this is that you have to rebuild the diff fairly regularly if used on the road, as the plates and cones are like mini clutch packs with springs etc. this wears blah blah.

a plate diff is ideal if your a proper race/rally driver, also if you snap a drive shaft you can still limp the car back home, whereas the atb will behave similar to a normal diff and if a shaft snaps your fooked.

atb for every day/occasional track day terrorism
plate for race