Originally Posted by Premo34WV (Post 216272)

I can see where you would want a differential for winter driving, it does help by applying traction to both rear wheels, I assume you do not have the sports package, therefore the open differential won't be as good in snow.

However....
If you do not intend for any track use and primarily for winter driving/spirited driving, I would not recommend this IMHO. I know you didn't ask for this type of advise and merely wanted to know LSD brand reviews, but I must inform you of this.

I installed the NISMO LSD into my 350z for the EXACT same reason, improved driving experience and winter capability. Aftermarket LSD's are too aggressive for daily drivers. IMO They chatter and clunk around every turn at low speeds. VERY annoying. I would have to explain the sound to every passenger explaining "its not broke, its supposed to do that" If making a lock wheel turn ie driveway, parking garage, etc..., my inside wheel would slip and studder spin to keep up with the outside wheel, leaving rubber behind.

I regretted the LSD days after I installed it. Maybe you have already researched and know the charateristics of most aftermarket LSD's and are ok with it. Which is perfectly fine its all preference. I just wanted to give you a heads up before purchasing a ~1k part and $500 install.

Originally Posted by B1nks (Post 217884)

everyone that has it says it's the loudest next to Kaaz so that was his own fault. The Cusco is supposed to be fairly quiet if used with the right oil and the OS Giken are the best clutch type LSD that I am aware of and that's what I would get. The Quaife are going to apparently be the least intrusive and act like it came with the car with the least maintenance and noise . :tup:

Originally Posted by Premo34WV (Post 216272)

I can see where you would want a differential for winter driving, it does help by applying traction to both rear wheels, I assume you do not have the sports package, therefore the open differential won't be as good in snow.

However....
If you do not intend for any track use and primarily for winter driving/spirited driving, I would not recommend this IMHO. I know you didn't ask for this type of advise and merely wanted to know LSD brand reviews, but I must inform you of this.

I installed the NISMO LSD into my 350z for the EXACT same reason, improved driving experience and winter capability. Aftermarket LSD's are too aggressive for daily drivers. IMO They chatter and clunk around every turn at low speeds. VERY annoying. I would have to explain the sound to every passenger explaining "its not broke, its supposed to do that" If making a lock wheel turn ie driveway, parking garage, etc..., my inside wheel would slip and studder spin to keep up with the outside wheel, leaving rubber behind.

I regretted the LSD days after I installed it. Maybe you have already researched and know the charateristics of most aftermarket LSD's and are ok with it. Which is perfectly fine its all preference. I just wanted to give you a heads up before purchasing a ~1k part and $500 install.

Originally Posted by black09Z (Post 218134)

idk about the 350z, but i think i read something about the 300zx full pumpkin swap being possible, the gear ratios are different but if your staying N/A thats a good thing. i bet you it would be cheaper than getting a brand new one that just came out for the 370Z too. just putting it out there

Originally Posted by schrute (Post 215676)

I've read what I could find here about Diff's but I'm still undecided on which one to get.

With winter coming, I want to get a LSD installed soon. The Z is my only car so on all but the worst winter days I'll be driving (will carpool with the wife in her SUV on really bad days). Yes I have winter tires ready to go.

So which Diff do you recommend for the following priorities (in order):

Quality
Price
Durability

I listed durability last as I don't plan on tracking the car much if at all. Mostly I want a LSD for improved winter traction and improved traction for spirited street driving.

The Carbonetic looks good but I'm not sure I need to spend that much.

Recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Edited to add: I don't have the sport package so > open diff. Not something I want to rely on this winter.

Originally Posted by DDMotorsports (Post 219068)

If you do not have the factory LSD then you will need the side shaft set from Nissan for the factory LSD to make it fit. ...."

Originally Posted by Timmer1978 (Post 219662)

Z1, do you know if any of those diff's you mentioned do not require the side shaft set from Nissan to make it fit? I thought it was easier putting an aftermarket diff in with the non-sports package z's.

Originally Posted by B1nks (Post 220924)

So is it not safe to assume the 350 units are usable on the 370 ? I have been looking at OS Giken and Quaife but they don't have 370 options, only 350.

Originally Posted by JoeD (Post 221143)

Appreciate your input, Z1. :tup:

Any thoughts on the Kaaz unit?

Originally Posted by travisjb (Post 221186)

pretty sure my carbonetic is same model for 350/370... mike at ddm would know for certain

Originally Posted by Z1Performance (Post 218972)

to the OP

there is another thread that goes through the differences

The Carbonetics is a nice unit. Some (350Z's) have experienced issues with premature disk wearing, even using Carbonetics own fluid. I personally have never experienced it. The Carbon units they offer are not adjustable, so it does not allow for any customization now or down the road. That may or may not be an issue for you. They also require frequent fluid changes (every 3-5k miles) because the carbon dust from the disks contaminates the fluid. They are very smooth however and work well. You also are stuck using their fluid, so if you get it, stock up. We stock the diffs and the fluid BTW

Cusco - I've run one in my car since 2004 (I think...might be 2005!). It's a clutch type diff as well. It is adjustable from 1.5 to 2 way (2 way is for drift) and has 3 way adjustable lockup as well. With the right fluid, and the right setup (which IMHO is 60% lock, 1.5 way) it is nearly seemless. Mine makes zero noise. At a literal crawl at parking lot speeds you can slightly feel the inside wheel grabbing a touch...but you literally have to be crawling. At 5 mph, it's not present at all, for example. No special break in (no figure 8's needed!) and can use off the shelf fluid. Downside is there is a wait time for them (45-60 days at present). They are reasonably priced.

OS Giken - another clutch type diff, but has a bit of a different design. They are adjustable from OS Giken via diferent springs. Extremely careful tolerances means it is quiet and smooth. I've used them several times now on the 350Z's and they are unlike any clutch type LSD I've ever used. Higher cost vs the Cusco by a few bucks, but it's a drop in for base model cars on a 350Z (I'd have to check on the 370 base models).

Quiafe - top notch firm from the UK that has made diffs since forever. Theirs is a helical (gear) based unit. It is not adjustable at all, but it is literally so quiet and smooth, Nissan could have installed it from the factory and you would never thing it was aftermarket. A great street oriented unit. Works well for club type track days also, but not what I'd use on a full out race car.

Drexler - amazing unit but very spendy. Used by several high end OEM manufacturers, and many race teams worldwide

You can compare prices, specs, etc on our site if you like

Z-1 Performance Automotive Services Inc.

Given your conditions and needs/wants, I would select the OS Giken if this were my own car. My second choice would be Quaife.

Originally Posted by Z1Performance (Post 227124)

That may well be - but I know when we have asked them, as well as the former importer of them, both said that only a couple of fluids were deemed "ok" by the factory - one was their own, the other was by Neo and I don't think was even offered in the US. I even had asked about Motul, since we use it alot, and was told "we don't know". Doesn't mean other stuff can't be used, just what they told me. Their new fluid is reasonably priced ($50 for a gallon, I always have it on the shelf, as well as Motul and OS Giken's fluids) it's just the short change intervals with the carbon based diffs that stinks

Originally Posted by B1nks (Post 429989)

Was convinced by my girl to just keep the OS Giken and not worry about the money and get it installed because she knew I wanted it real bad. LOVE IT. Like Z1 stated with the open diff, Night and Day difference and I'm completely in love with it and SUPER stoked that I got the OS Giken. Worth the money and I don't get any of that clicking or grabbing that the one guy was saying with his, obviously bad, Nismo diff. Anyone thinking of getting this should, there really isn't any intrusiveness but definitely a noticeable difference in traction and where the power is being put. LOVE IT, thanks Z1.

Originally Posted by Z1Performance (Post 218972)

to the OP

there is another thread that goes through the differences

The Carbonetics is a nice unit. Some (350Z's) have experienced issues with premature disk wearing, even using Carbonetics own fluid. I personally have never experienced it. The Carbon units they offer are not adjustable, so it does not allow for any customization now or down the road. That may or may not be an issue for you. They also require frequent fluid changes (every 3-5k miles) because the carbon dust from the disks contaminates the fluid. They are very smooth however and work well. You also are stuck using their fluid, so if you get it, stock up. We stock the diffs and the fluid BTW

Cusco - I've run one in my car since 2004 (I think...might be 2005!). It's a clutch type diff as well. It is adjustable from 1.5 to 2 way (2 way is for drift) and has 3 way adjustable lockup as well. With the right fluid, and the right setup (which IMHO is 60% lock, 1.5 way) it is nearly seemless. Mine makes zero noise. At a literal crawl at parking lot speeds you can slightly feel the inside wheel grabbing a touch...but you literally have to be crawling. At 5 mph, it's not present at all, for example. No special break in (no figure 8's needed!) and can use off the shelf fluid. Downside is there is a wait time for them (45-60 days at present). They are reasonably priced.

OS Giken - another clutch type diff, but has a bit of a different design. They are adjustable from OS Giken via diferent springs. Extremely careful tolerances means it is quiet and smooth. I've used them several times now on the 350Z's and they are unlike any clutch type LSD I've ever used. Higher cost vs the Cusco by a few bucks, but it's a drop in for base model cars on a 350Z and 370Z.

Quaife - top notch firm from the UK that has made diffs since forever. Theirs is a helical (gear) based unit. It is not adjustable at all, but it is literally so quiet and smooth, Nissan could have installed it from the factory and you would never thing it was aftermarket. A great street oriented unit. Works well for club type track days also, but not what I'd use on a full out race car.

Drexler - amazing unit but very spendy. Used by several high end OEM manufacturers, and many race teams worldwide

You can compare prices, specs, etc on our site if you like

Z-1 Performance Automotive Services Inc.

Given your conditions and needs/wants, I would select the OS Giken if this were my own car. My second choice would be Quaife.

Originally Posted by Z1Performance (Post 219447)

All I can say is there is a 100% night and day difference between a Z with an open diff and one with a properly setup aftermarket LSD. To date, with all the work I have done to my car, I still think the diff is my favorite thing. I never peel out from stop signs - but I do enjoy backroads