posi verses LSD

[Lon]

Ok, Im cluless, which is better, i think i have LSD in my 97 firebird. But would posi be better... And please pardon my ignorance.

[white96six]

this is something that I have seen alot of people dont know. i didnt either until i took automotive powertrains last semester and the teacher explained that they are the same thing. they are just the different names that the different manufacturers use. they are both locking differentials, and there is no difference other than the method used to lock them. hope this helps.

[98Camaro3.8]

Try reading Dominic's Differential Guide.
A lot of good info in there!

[ September 07, 2003: Message edited by: 98Camaro3.8 ]</p>

[fenderman]

I didn't really agree with the whole "open differentials are virtually worthless" statement. In my opinion, posi style differentials are great for drag racing, but the open styles aren't as unsafe as what that article claims them to be. I've owned several rear wheel drive vehicles with OSD, driven them through just about every condition except snow and ice and have never had any complaints with them. In fact, I would be willing to bet that the main attraction to posi is the thought of spinning and smoking both rear tires. Looks cooler than just one tire spinning.

Anyways, the article did have a lot of useful information that was well written. Aside from the opinions, I suggest that people go read that who need more insight on the mechanics of the different styles.

[need4speed]

From my experience, I'd rather have an open diff in icy situations. It will power one wheel because chances are that one of the wheels will have more traction than the other, even if both are on ice the static and kinetic friction values can be different. If only one wheel is spinning, everything is fine except you aren't moving. If you had LSD and both wheels are spinning, you're probably not moving forward or backward, but sideways.

I don't know if anybody understands what I mean, but for fbody's, this is what I think. Different applications are a totally different story.

[Camaro_SLP]

LSD is twice as better as open diff in ice/snow/rain. period.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Originally posted by fenderman:
In fact, I would be willing to bet that the main attraction to posi is the thought of spinning and smoking both rear tires. Looks cooler than just one tire spinning. <hr></blockquote>

That, and the fact that it greatly improves launching, 60' times, and *1/4 times (*w/ gears).

[mr_man]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by need4speed:
From my experience, I'd rather have an open diff in icy situations. It will power one wheel because chances are that one of the wheels will have more traction than the other, even if both are on ice the static and kinetic friction values can be different. If only one wheel is spinning, everything is fine except you aren't moving. If you had LSD and both wheels are spinning, you're probably not moving forward or backward, but sideways.

I don't know if anybody understands what I mean, but for fbody's, this is what I think. Different applications are a totally different story.<hr></blockquote>

Limited slip is infinately better on ice and snow the an open differential. The first year i had my V6 i drove the winter with the open rear. The next year with LSD, it's much easier with the LSD. If you have all your power going to the tire that slips easiest, how is that gonna help move you?

[need4speed]

I've never had a problem moving. Throttle it just right and it works, but I live in KS where it's flat. Drive my mom's caddy when she had it and the back would slide around when trying to take off on ice, it had LSD.

Just saying this stuff from my experience, it could be all wrong but that's the way my luck is.

[Lon]

ok then how do i know what i have. I am looking to make it mostly street with a little quarter, so would LSD be better or Posi..

[98Camaro3.8]

Check your RPO codes. If you see G80, you've got a LSD (Zexel Torsen T2, to be exact). If you don't have that code, you've got an open diffy.

[Camaro_SLP]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Lon:
ok then how do i know what i have. I am looking to make it mostly street with a little quarter, so would LSD be better or Posi..<hr></blockquote>

Again..Posi and LSD are the SAME THING

[Lon]

oh man im sorry, you right, i didnt read that, i guess just different ways of doing the same thing. ok. thanks for the help guys, i will just stay with my LSD, and switch to 3.73 gears. Thanks for the help guys

[mrbako]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Lon:
ok then how do i know what i have. I am looking to make it mostly street with a little quarter, so would LSD be better or Posi..<hr></blockquote>

some people don't deserve f-body's...

lsd, or "Posi" isn't a locker either...a true locker is locked...posi is limited slip, so it can turn.

[camaro_speedemon]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mrbako:


some people don't deserve f-body's...

lsd, or "Posi" isn't a locker either...a true locker is locked...posi is limited slip, so it can turn.<hr></blockquote>

STFU man, just because he doesn't know anything about posi or LSD doesnt mean he shouldnt own an Fbody. When I first came here I honestly didn't know the difference between a push rod and a connecting rod.


And LSD is 100xs better than open differential. Just wait, that one time when you pull off the side of the road and your drive tires in the mud, and your left tire is on the pavement. You go to leave, and you tire just starts spinning with open diff. Open diff puts the power to the ground the easiest way it can. LSD sees that one tire doesn't have traction and tansfers the power to the other tire. It's also makes for a better handling car, and it also helps out in launching for drag racing.

[Lon]

im sorry i wasnt imparted with all automotive knowledge when i bought the car. My apologies to the car gods. But i am trying to learn, and thats why i asked, so get over it.