[GTT 280]

When installing the LSD, i have heard people having to machine metal from both the diff and the housing - is this correct?????

Cheers,
K.

[Berthil]

I've just had one fitted. That's only with the early used Quaifes which were for the Getrag six speed gearbox used in the Ford Focus and (almost) identical to the MINI gearbox.

As long as you make sure you have the MINI Quaife it's okay. The Mini Quaife has an 'M' behind it's product number.

[GTT 280]

Ah, that explains why they were talking about Ford dealerships and getting different bearing sets and seals then. They were trying to fit a non MINI sized part in the MINI.

Many thanks for that. And phew that Quife now do one to fit exactly.

BTW - is Quaife the only (and best) manufacturer of ATB/LSD units?

Cheers,
K.

[Loui]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 260 (original)

Ah, that explains why they were talking about Ford dealerships and getting different bearing sets and seals then. They were trying to fit a non MINI sized part in the MINI.

Many thanks for that. And phew that Quife now do one to fit exactly.

BTW - is Quaife the only (and best) manufacturer of ATB/LSD units?

Cheers,
K.

You will need new bearings though, you can use the originals but its cheaper an easier to buy new ones, i did when i had mine fitted

[Berthil]

Ik had new bearings too. The numbers in that Quaife thread were not correct for my 2003 MCS. I had to read the numbers from the existing ones to get new ones.

Quaife is not the only one, but the best from what I read. You also get lifetime warranty on the Quaife. Phantom grip is another manufacturer and I know Gripper makes them for a Cooper but I'm not sure if they have one for the MCS as well.

It turned out that my 90.000 km gearbox was looking very good on the inside apart from one thing. It was leaking oil to the clutch because the seal on the main axle was leaking. I also replaced all oil seals (and installed a Sachs sports Clutch and M7 flywheel).

[roland2003]

Hi Guys, we always put new bearings in when installing the diff. The Mini diff has addituional clearance, so as stated no grinding of the casings. Quaiffe is a torque biasing diff, whereas gripper is a plate diff . The Quaiffe is less nervous for road use.
Best Regards Roland GTT

[GTT 280]

..which gets me on to ask, which is the best Clutch to fit with this diff?

It'll be great to see what state my gbox is in too

Cheers,
K.

[Paul Webster]

We've got over 120 6000rpm launches with the quaife diff now without a problem, we just recently took it down to quaife for them to inspect it, whenthey took apart they asked if we had actually used it. A testment to their product, also we havn't broken one driveshaft as yet.

Clutch wise it depends whether you want an on /off clutch like a paddle or a sprung plate, we went on the mini2 Top Gear run last Saturday with the paddle and it was a pain at times.

We're fitting the Exedy moly flywheel and clutch with the next engine upgrade which will see us into non nitrous 12 sec 1/4 miles.

[Lohen]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 260 (original)

Ah, that explains why they were talking about Ford dealerships and getting different bearing sets and seals then. They were trying to fit a non MINI sized part in the MINI.

Many thanks for that. And phew that Quife now do one to fit exactly.

BTW - is Quaife the only (and best) manufacturer of ATB/LSD units?

Cheers,
K.

Hi,

Quaife - ONLY make ATB Differentials (which is: Automatic Torque Biasing), it is a completely gear based differential and it has no slip plates within its design. This makes it a better diff for the road as it will never need servicing. However the downside is that it still can let one wheel spin if it is completely offloaded and therefore not ideal for race use. (not sure if quaife are the ONLY, but they are certainly the Best known manufacturer & UK based)

LSD - Limited Slip Differentials (a type of diff, not make), use slip (like minature clutches) plates to determine to which wheel the power will go once traction is broken. Even if one wheel is completely lifted, some power will still go to the opposite wheel to provide drive. Hence LSDs are perfect in race use where "riding the curb" (riding the rumble strips on the corners) often results in some grip loss while cornering. As LSDs use slip plates they may (almost definately if you keep the car long enough) need a service.

There are a couple of LSD items already available on the market, and we have something very special arriving from Japan in the next week or so (so keep your eys peeled) & will be selling it shortly.

You DON'T have to fit a flywheel or clutch when you change the diff, but due to the design of the MINI it is cost beneficial to do all at once (only if you are planning to do at all). What design/make you go for is once again dependant on your needs/costs.

Bearings are best replaced when you chage the diff, as it far faster, than getting the standard ones off the old diff. Wise to also put good quality gearbox oil once the whole combo is back on the car.

Andrey

[GTT 280]

Yep. The Quiafe certainly seems to be the preffered choice....and it is one of those car parts that looks awesome just sat on the desk, but then most car parts are superb to look at, just a shame this one gets hidden away in the gearbox

Cheers,
K.

[slim_boy_fat]

Talking about Diffs, can i assume that its best to fit a new fltwheel and clutch. so that would be about £400 parts, then about £650 for the diff so that over £1000 for parts.

What about fitting costs?

[2 much]

Quote: Originally Posted by slim_boy_fat (original)

Talking about Diffs, can i assume that its best to fit a new fltwheel and clutch. so that would be about £400 parts, then about £650 for the diff so that over £1000 for parts.

What about fitting costs?

it would be wise to do the clutch and flywheel as the engine has to come out to do the atb quaife diff.i think you are looking at a good ten hours labour or so if you cannot do the job yourself.not a cheap mod but money well spent

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by slim_boy_fat (original)

Talking about Diffs, can i assume that its best to fit a new fltwheel and clutch. so that would be about £400 parts, then about £650 for the diff so that over £1000 for parts.

What about fitting costs?

You are looking closer to £1000 for the clutch and flywheel alone ;-)

Cheers,
K.

[slim_boy_fat]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 270 (original)

You are looking closer to £1000 for the clutch and flywheel alone ;-)

Cheers,
K.

Eh!!!!

pretty sure i have seen them much cheaper.

Just fit the standard items. Even just a new plate in the clutch.

[GTT 280]

a new OEM clutch would not fair well in high torque engines over time and abuse, and would require being replaced incurring further material and labour costs. An OEM clutch/flywheel does not offer performance either.

So i guess you pay for what you want

Cheers,
K.

[Aberdeen Al]

Quote: Originally Posted by slim_boy_fat (original)

Eh!!!!

pretty sure i have seen them much cheaper.

Just fit the standard items. Even just a new plate in the clutch.

Just over £2200 (fitted) for the Quaife, Exedy clutch & Fidanza lightened flywheel from Lohen

[Berthil]

Most money goes into fitting the Quaife, the whole subframe has to be lowered to be able to get the gearbox out and change the differential.

I have fitted the Quaife and are very pleased with it. I got mine for 700 euro's unfitted, so 2200 Pounds seems a bit expensive.

I also fitted the complete Sachs clutch and a M7 flywheel.

[slim_boy_fat]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 270 (original)

a new OEM clutch would not fair well in high torque engines over time and abuse, and would require being replaced incurring further material and labour costs. An OEM clutch/flywheel does not offer performance either.

So i guess you pay for what you want

Cheers,
K.

Im sure the standard clutch is fine for a standard JCW mini. its not particularly torquie engine.

Benifits from £1000 worth of clutch and flywheel are small to say the least.

My only reason to replace these parts would be because it may save future labour costs. The performance benifits come from the diff with additional traction.

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by slim_boy_fat (original)

Im sure the standard clutch is fine for a standard JCW mini. its not particularly torquie engine.

Benifits from £1000 worth of clutch and flywheel are small to say the least.

My only reason to replace these parts would be because it may save future labour costs. The performance benifits come from the diff with additional traction.

The performance benefits are also realised in the lightweight flywheel - it is easier for the engine to rev, the stronger more accurate clutch - you can change gear faster and with more assurance and be confident it will not deteriorate/slip when WOT in 1st, 2nd gear with xxxBHP under the bonnet.

The quaife is essential in delivering power out of a corner.

You need to also remember the context of the costs, £1000 is not a lot of money for the product you get, and in relation to the money spent throughout the car already it is loose change

I think for the low powered JCW and below, the OEM clutch is fine.

If you are a track day addict, the it is a must.

Cheers,
K.

[slim_boy_fat]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 270 (original)

I think for the low powered JCW and below, the OEM clutch is fine.

Cheers,
K.

At last, finally.