LSD without TC...worthwhile?
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Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Texas
LSD without TC...worthwhile?
I had a nice little visit with my friends at John Roberts Lexus of Austin and had them tell me that a TRD LSD would be an okay mod in their opinions like the L-Tuned and TRD suspension stuff I've already put on.
So that drives a question...is there really any value to a limited slip differential if you don't have a torque converter? I know that these two are quite complementary since the TC puts more of the available power to the ground, and the LSD lets you actually use that power without smoking the tires every time. But what does an LSD by itself do? How would one use it and what would the difference be in everyday driving and aggressive driving?
Sorry if this has been discussed before. I did a quick search and didn't find quite this question being asked or answered.
So that drives a question...is there really any value to a limited slip differential if you don't have a torque converter? I know that these two are quite complementary since the TC puts more of the available power to the ground, and the LSD lets you actually use that power without smoking the tires every time. But what does an LSD by itself do? How would one use it and what would the difference be in everyday driving and aggressive driving?
Sorry if this has been discussed before. I did a quick search and didn't find quite this question being asked or answered.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 4
From: Arkansas
I, for one, wish that factory LSD were at least an option. Lexus VSC is far too aggressive in it's action imho, cutting power viciously in a circumstance when, almost by definition, you want a lot of it. So the GS bogs down tremendously rather than generate wheelspin via the open diff. I'd rather have a limited slip transfer power to the wheel with traction, thereby achieving continuous forward progress.................
Failing that, at least make the VSC more progressive in it's action and programming, a la Porsche, etc. On the other hand, it was pretty fun to leave a black Bridgestone stripe for more than a block when I was about to change out the godawful RE030s for my S-03s!!!
Failing that, at least make the VSC more progressive in it's action and programming, a la Porsche, etc. On the other hand, it was pretty fun to leave a black Bridgestone stripe for more than a block when I was about to change out the godawful RE030s for my S-03s!!!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 851
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Gotta disagree
Can’t go along with redgs4 on the TC alone. I’ve had the TC for almost a year without the LSD (it’s still sitting in the box my garage), and the TC alone has made my GS a lot more fun to drive. It’s been the best bang-for-buck mod I’ve made. Some day, when I can find someone to install the damn thing, I’ll get the LSD put on.
I think the LSD would still be a good mod alone - there've been times that I wished I had one - like last winter when we had that 1/2" snow blizzard.
I think the LSD would still be a good mod alone - there've been times that I wished I had one - like last winter when we had that 1/2" snow blizzard.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,808
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From: California
Re: Gotta disagree
Originally posted by garnet92
Can’t go along with redgs4 on the TC alone. I’ve had the TC for almost a year without the LSD (it’s still sitting in the box my garage), and the TC alone has made my GS a lot more fun to drive. It’s been the best bang-for-buck mod I’ve made. Some day, when I can find someone to install the damn thing, I’ll get the LSD put on.
I think the LSD would still be a good mod alone - there've been times that I wished I had one - like last winter when we had that 1/2" snow blizzard.
Can’t go along with redgs4 on the TC alone. I’ve had the TC for almost a year without the LSD (it’s still sitting in the box my garage), and the TC alone has made my GS a lot more fun to drive. It’s been the best bang-for-buck mod I’ve made. Some day, when I can find someone to install the damn thing, I’ll get the LSD put on.
I think the LSD would still be a good mod alone - there've been times that I wished I had one - like last winter when we had that 1/2" snow blizzard.
The TRD LSD is a ***** to get installed, which is why I've now got a Supra Torsen one in my garage waiting to be installed.
As for the TC without the LSD - the TC is the best performance mod bang for the buck. Squeals of delight (and burning tire rubber).
LSD without TC? Much less valuable IMHO.
As for the TC without the LSD - the TC is the best performance mod bang for the buck. Squeals of delight (and burning tire rubber).
LSD without TC? Much less valuable IMHO.
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Driver
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 141
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From: Minnesota
If it were not for rain or earth, gravel or sandy roads, I expect you Southerners have it right. I see a nice difference under those conditions, not to mention the snow I spend a few months with.
Many (most) up here in the north land have front drive or AWD. The LSD with good tires is not as good, but acceptable for my preferred rear drive.
Pretty sure I'd want LSD no matter where I lived and drove. And when I want to go really fast from a start, I'd rather be on my ST1300 Honda rather than have a TC in my Lexus.
Many (most) up here in the north land have front drive or AWD. The LSD with good tires is not as good, but acceptable for my preferred rear drive.
Pretty sure I'd want LSD no matter where I lived and drove. And when I want to go really fast from a start, I'd rather be on my ST1300 Honda rather than have a TC in my Lexus.
Last edited by oldguy; Sep 29, 2003 at 01:35 PM.
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