Differences Between Diffs?

[Cronenberged]

Trying to save myself and maybe others some time. I'm trying to understand the differences and was hoping someone could break down the options and what they'd best be utilized for? List is from Diffsonline.

[bigjae46]

Ramp angles are used to change how much slippage will make a clutch type diff lock up. The lower the angle, the less slippage required to lockup the clutch assembly. On a 35/60, 35% ramp angle on accel and a 60% ramp angle on decel. So the diff will lockup sooner on throttle than off. A 30/90 ramp is a one-way - will only lock up on throttle.

Preload is the force applied to the clutch pack when there is no slip. More preload means more wear on the clutch discs, locks up quicker, and more noise during low speed turns.

# of clutches increases the % of lock.

The standard for BMW racecars seems to be a 4 clutch 35/60 ZF. The OS Giken and Drexler are similar to the ZF - mechanical clutch type diff.

You want a mechanical clutch diff for any performance usage for precise control. Forget which one between the wavetrac or quaife is the torque sensing LSD. It would be ok on the street since it is quiet and reliable - no wearable clutches - but I would never put one in a car for performance purposes.

IMO, the M variable lock V1 is the best all-around option. It is now serviceable, reliable, and performs well. If you drive with DSC off (not M-track mode...OFF) then a mechanical clutch type diff will significantly reduce lap times.

[bigjae46]

These explain how an LSD works very well...

https://youtu.be/PEdnH7_7_yc

https://youtu.be/WeLm7wHvdxQ

[mrgizmo04]

Forget which one between the wavetrac or quaife is the torque sensing LSD.

Yeah the wave hub of the wavetrac acts as a cam that provides a load and is supposed to be better in ice/wheel in air situations.

Agree, can't beat a clutch style, downside is maintenance/clutch replacements.

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