[tscdennab]

Hi,

I am finally able to get myself a limited slip differential. I got some good offers from Quaife and Drexler, they are within like $500 of each other (Drelxer more expensive).

The question is, biased opinions aside, which do you think is better for drag racing (and street) ? I keep reading that the clutch-type LSD is superior for the majority of situations, especially Drexler which is used in Mercedes AMG Black Series cars, BMW Motorsport cars, etc. On the other hand, I hear that gear-type LSDs are better "on the street" and are rarely used in racing. There are also differences on how do these behave in various conditions, like hard braking, corner exit, etc. I also hear that some of the clutch-type LSDs make some "noises" in operation.

Does anyone have experience or opinions on using various types of LSDs in drag racing ? I would like to improve my traction on regular tires or poor quality launching surfaces. Cornering is not really my thing as of now, but who knows.

So which should I choose ?

PS: Yes, I know you love your Wavetrac

[Brey335i]

Clutch type is always going to be my pick if money isn't an issue. It costs more and takes more to maintain but is definitely the better differential.

[vasillalov]

Agreed! Clutch type all the way. Drexler is expensive though. Look into OS Giken. Their clutch-type ones have significantly more clutch plates compared to drexler. If my memory serves me right, OS Giken has 21 plates and drexler has about 8. The point being is that OS Giken plates will last a lot longer.

[dzenno]

well for drag racing you'll be really heavy on your drivetrain (clutch/diff/axles)...i'd got with a gear-type LSD as there's much less chance of failure when compared to a clutch type diff just for the shear fact one's got clutches that wear (and much more so with constant launches) while gears in a diff won't...if you look at the gears there you'll see just how crazy big the gear teeth are on them

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by dzenno

well for drag racing you'll be really heavy on your drivetrain (clutch/diff/axles)...i'd got with a gear-type LSD as there's much less chance of failure when compared to a clutch type diff just for the shear fact one's got clutches that wear (and much more so with constant launches) while gears in a diff won't...if you look at the gears there you'll see just how crazy big the gear teeth are on them

In fact, this is one of the problems, gear-type differentials are notorious to break under sudden torque loads. They have some "spider gears" which break. In my research I read many posts about Torsen differentials breaking in drag launch. But Quaife assured me that their differential is very solid.

Another problem of the gear-type diff is that it's heavier than the clutch type (significantly so).

[HP Autosport]

Drag racing? You will need the clutch type.

[Mr_PharmD]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

Drag racing? You will need the clutch type.

is there one that does both?

Is the clutch type suppose to put better traction for quarter miles compared to wavetrac or is it better bc it holds the abuse more?

[3002 tii]

Not familiar with the e90/n54 but you should also look into gearing while you're at it.

[nitehawk]

What kind of LSD does the M3 have?

[achien]

+1, if your torque is high enough (have seen in this forum), you could break the gears in a gear-based LSD.

for clutch-based LSD, you just wear the clutch-plates/pads.

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

Drag racing? You will need the clutch type.

[GeorgeSmooth]

I have used the Quaife LSD and currently am using the BMW M3 LSD and to me it seems the BMW is better when coming of the line (unless my driving has improved hehe). In the corners I feel they are pretty even.

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by GeorgeSmooth

I have used the Quaife LSD and currently am using the BMW M3 LSD and to me it seems the BMW is better when coming of the line (unless my driving has improved hehe). In the corners I feel they are pretty even.

I thought it was not possible to retrofit a M3 LSD into a 335?
So is it a gear based LSD?

[Brey335i]

It's definitely possible. And yes M3 diff is clutch type

[GeorgeSmooth]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

I thought it was not possible to retrofit a M3 LSD into a 335?
So is it a gear based LSD?

It is possible and I have done it (search). Its clutch based, not sure what percentage though.

[Elie335]

Originally Posted by GeorgeSmooth

It is possible and I have done it (search). Its clutch based, not sure what percentage though.

+1, I have done it as well.

[tscdennab]

I chose the Drexler clutch-type and I now have so much traction off the line (Nitto 555R tires) that my clutch is slipping. I am very happy with it.

But to the those who retrofitted the M3 diff, did you use only OEM parts or did you have to adjust (cut) the driveshaft ? If using OEM parts only, how come there is no thread about this mod (except the one in which someone retrofitted it but had to cut the driveshaft) ?

[GeorgeSmooth]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

I chose the Drexler clutch-type and I now have so much traction off the line (Nitto 555R tires) that my clutch is slipping. I am very happy with it.

But to the those who retrofitted the M3 diff, did you use only OEM parts or did you have to adjust (cut) the driveshaft ? If using OEM parts only, how come there is no thread about this mod (except the one in which someone retrofitted it but had to cut the driveshaft) ?

The driveshaft needs to be mated and shortened (on auto). Not sure the procedure on the manual.

[vasillalov]

Drexler makes the M3 diffs.

[tscdennab]

Some information:

- Dinan differential is a Torsen, so it's not clutch-type. It's written on their web site in the product description section.

- Drexler does not make the M3 differentials, but BMW Motorsport differentials (for their race cars).

- The M3 differential varies lock between 0-100% using clutches and a viscous pump activated by the difference between the speeds of the 2 rear wheels. The Drexler differential has 40% lock on acceleration and 60% lock on deceleration. Each of the two styles has advantages and disadvantages.

[marconi118]

Originally Posted by GeorgeSmooth

It is possible and I have done it (search). Its clutch based, not sure what percentage though.

I am still trying to do it.

Have you used an M3 modified drive shaft or a 335i modified shaft????

PLEASE post pics of the drive shaft!!!!!!!

[m thriller]

Originally Posted by GeorgeSmooth

It is possible and I have done it (search). Its clutch based, not sure what percentage though.

I am a newbie to the 335i but have a e46 m3 diff sitting in my gargae..............any links to how to convert or is there a diy guide etc?

Would i need just the diff or the rear driveshafts/subframe etc?

Sorry to be a pain but i need a lsd on my 335i so so bad!.............................................f unds are tied up for a new diff but i was just about to sell the diff tomorrow until i read this thread and if possible would put a big grin on my face.

P.s......just realised................u were on about a e90/92 m3 diff and not e46 yes?

[GeorgeSmooth]

Originally Posted by marconi118

I am still trying to do it.

Have you used an M3 modified drive shaft or a 335i modified shaft????

PLEASE post pics of the drive shaft!!!!!!!

The rear part of the driveshaft is M3, it matches the front part which is 35 part in my assumption with a universal joint. If you take the car to a qualified propshaft place they should have no issue. Shortening is required with a manual. The intersting part of this is covered with heat shields so cannot get a photo. I have a photo of the rear part which I will post in a few days as I am traveling abroad. The driveshafts of the M3 will work on the 335 but not 135 for some reason.