Limited Slip Differential

[Andromcs]

Does anyone know when the LSD will be available on the MCS?

My MCS is due in late October and I want to know if the LSD will be installed standard or if it will be an option (not on the option list at this time as you all probably know).

Thanks!

[Paul]

It will be optional on January 2005 builds onwards. As I "dreamt" back in October 2003.

"Another rumour from the mill, LSD for Cooper S..."

More details also in the news section www.mini2.com/news/

[Andromcs]

Do you think it is a must-have? I of course am considering as my MCS is due in late October. Performance is already at a high level....better traction would give it better performance...but will it be just a small increase?

[Paul]

There's quite a lot of debate on this already, but it really depends how you're going to use your MCS. If you plan to drive it hard and fast a lot, then it's probably a worth while investment (depending on cost) but it will make (should make) quite a difference to the behaviour of the car. To be honest at 170 bhp the S wont need so much as it would if you upgrade to the 200+ bhp mark with one of the various aftermarket kits.

[Andromcs]

Do you know if we will be able to purchase the LSD after the fact and have it installed?

[Andromcs]

The dealer I am working with doubts it will be an option to purchase later and then have installed....hmmm...should I wait?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

The dealer I am working with doubts it will be an option to purchase later and then have installed....hmmm...should I wait?

You can always purchase an aftermarket unit (Quaife, Phantom Grip) and have it installed. Of course, this will probably be more expensive than the factory installed unit.

You still haven't answered Paul's question as to what plans you have for your MCS ... autocross, upgrades for more horsepower, etc.

[Andromcs]

Going to leave it stock and it will be my daily driver. I will be driving in a spirited manner and in this area of Southern California there are numerous fantastic drives through the mountains that can be made challenging...thus I lean towards having the LSD. Then again, logically, since most of the weight of this vehicle is over the drive wheels, and since the LSD would only be activated with slippage, in my driving in mostly dry weather with the location of the weight, there might not be much slippage. Except during the few winter months or in the more extreme cornering situations. Is this thinking acurate regarding the functioning of the LSD?

[Barnabas]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

Going to leave it stock and it will be my daily driver. I will be driving in a spirited manner and in this area of Southern California there are numerous fantastic drives through the mountains that can be made challenging...thus I lean towards having the LSD. Then again, logically, since most of the weight of this vehicle is over the drive wheels, and since the LSD would only be activated with slippage, in my driving in mostly dry weather with the location of the weight, there might not be much slippage. Except during the few winter months or in the more extreme cornering situations. Is this thinking acurate regarding the functioning of the LSD?

LSD helps acelerate out of turns w/o wheelspin. But the stock MCS doesn't have enough power to create wheelspin. So you should be fine w/o LSD. At 200+ hp like paul said you should really consider it.

[RobHardyUK]

January onwards, ill have this. I love LSD's.

[Andromcs]

Barnabas,

Have you had instances on dry tar where you have had wheel spin that would have been a time where you would have liked to have a lsd? Was it, or were they severe or more minimal?

Thanks.

[RobHardyUK]

Ive emailed my saleswomen about this 1!

[kyriian]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

Do you know if we will be able to purchase the LSD after the fact and have it installed?

of course.. alot of people have installed lsds on their tranny

the problem is the ridiculous labor related to installing it... you are looking at 6-7 hours minimum! one reason im staying away from the lsd unless i can do the clutch and flywheel as well

[Z1GZAG N]

[quote=Barnabas] But the stock MCS doesn't have enough power to create wheelspin. [quote]


Not sure what S model you're driving, but my MCS will light the inside tire when I accelerate from a stop light while making a turn.

Still, unless you're going to install a smaller pulley, or boost the power some other way, I don't feel it's a necessity.

Crank the HP up to 200 hp and you've wasted you money without getting the LSD.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Z1GZAG N

Crank the HP up to 200 hp and you've wasted you money without getting the LSD.

I don't know what 200 hp MINIs you've driven, but they're no waste of money, with or without an LSD!