370Z Factory LSD: This thing is worse than I remembered
 

Admittedly, it's been a while since I've driven a car hard, that didn't have a mechanical aftermarket locking style LSD such as Carbonetic, OS Giken, Cusco, and others.

I took my first obligatory mountain cruise with my 370Z today, and immediately discovered just how horrible this LSD is for any type of performance use. Keep in mind, I wasn't pushing the car that hard, since this is a public road but it's performance left a lot to be desired. It felt one small step better than an open diff. On tight corners, on power exit the inside wheel just spun freely and would catch and grab in a horrible way.

Next on my shopping list is an LSD, because this car will not be fun on a road course. Our Time Attack 370Z has a Cabonetic 1.5 way and is brilliant. I might try the OSG on my car and see how it compares to the Carbonetic.

I am intersted to here everyone else opinion on the factory LSD.

who has already made lsds for our cars? I have the AT and Im noy sure if any are available.

For a street car, I have no issues with the LSD. You are spoiled with the GT-R :stirthepot:

I think it's OK.

well..even a cayman has an open diff...

If you weren't pushing it hard, why did you need the LSD? :)

Did you change your rear strut/sway?

I REALLY want the OSG LSD and have an open diff and I miss the VLSD from the factory it's so bad haha. Hopefully the OSG will satisfy my needs since it's my next mod then sways.

Yeah I heard the in lift is pretty bad! lol good luck with the clutch type.

How is the NISMO lsd kit different from the stock LSD? I've been eyeing that.

^pretty sure the Nismo 370Z has the same LSD as the sport package 'regular' 370Z. It just has a different diff cover.

The OEM LSD diff in the Nismo model 370Z is the same as the regular models.

For aftermarket, the best choices to consider are Carbonetic, and OS Giken, IMHO. There are others, but these two have the best performance and are least intrusive from a sound/grabbiness standpoint.

I am looking forward to trying out the OSG, since it doesn't require the very frequent fluid chances as needed by the Carbonetic diff. Might also be interesting to try the Carbonetic Metal diff, vs. the carbon diff that is popular.

Even on mountain twisties at 6/10th pace the difference is very noticable. If you rarely take the car to the twisties, then I am sure the OEM diff is fine for street use.

True. That's the same line of thought that I have with OSG being my choice due to the lower maintenance and OSG NEVER having to service one of their models along with no break in required..just seems better choice. The low intrusiveness also is a plus but everyone that has the Carbonetic raves over it and loves it(minus the frequent oil change). I too would be curious about the metal diff..

But is the one in the Nismo model the same as the Nismo kit you can buy - the one with the adjustable settings?

I always take the car to the twisties. That's why I bought it. Seriously, I'm not having any issues at all, I'm not some n00b, I'm race-trained in Formula Fords.

I have no doubt the LSDs mentioned above are much better than the viscous oem unit. But I think the oem LSD is quite adequate for street use. No mountain twisties around these parts, but lots of twisties, elevation changes and very challenging old New England roads. In fact, the most impressive thing about this car is it's predictability when exiting a corner at speed. Besides I like a little wheelspin, it's challenging and fun. :tup: