LSD 'cartridge' ?

[PranK]

LSD options for my 335i are scarce and ridiculously priced, they also usually require some kind of customisation to shafts.

Yes, I'd like to swap an LSD but its not in the top 1000 things that I need to spend money on.

What I'm wondering about is one of these; https://racingdiffs.com/products/bmw-e46-e90-e92-e39-e60-lsd-conversion-set?variant=33548118491271

I've watched install videos and reviews and while they're not as good as a proper LSD they do provide a fair bit of assistance in keeping both wheels spinning. 

I'm a little concerned about doing diff damage with it although this doesn't seem to be an issue for others. 

I'd just like some opinions.

Christian

[PranK]

This is a great video on how well they hold up and how it actually works.

 

I'm almost sold. It's around $500 delivered.

 

[GTSBoy]

That takes me back. A friend of mine use to make these for ALFAs back in the 90s. It's a method with a long history, and even represents the way some OEM LSDs were done.

This is better than what my mate used to make because they have provided the wear plate to stop the wear being done on the LSD plate or the side gear. Saves having to put metal back onto gears if you get your hardnesses wrong!

In short....what could go wrong? It seems like they've got a good design and manufacturing process.

[PranK]

On 18/01/2024 at 11:12 AM, GTSBoy said:

That takes me back. A friend of mine use to make these for ALFAs back in the 90s. It's a method with a long history, and even represents the way some OEM LSDs were done.

This is better than what my mate used to make because they have provided the wear plate to stop the wear being done on the LSD plate or the side gear. Saves having to put metal back onto gears if you get your hardnesses wrong!

In short....what could go wrong? It seems like they've got a good design and manufacturing process.

I kinda feel like if it gives me another 30 - 40% traction (just some numbers thrown around on forums) then its going to be great. I'm not rocking big power, after everything is done on the car i'll be around 400HP. Also, if this destroys my existing diff (I've seen a video of one exploding but jury's out on the cause) then I'm only down a few hundred to replace.

[fletch rb30]

Looks the same as the old 'Phantom Grip' units from early 00's

I know a few jokers who put them in fwd's and mostly resulted in lots of wear and the lsd effect wore off pretty quickly

[PranK]

On 19/01/2024 at 4:54 PM, fletch rb30 said:

Looks the same as the old 'Phantom Grip' units from early 00's

I know a few jokers who put them in fwd's and mostly resulted in lots of wear and the lsd effect wore off pretty quickly

Yikes.

Any RWD reviews for sensible owners?

[PranK]

On 19/01/2024 at 4:54 PM, fletch rb30 said:

Looks the same as the old 'Phantom Grip' units from early 00's

From what I understand these are a direct descendant of the Phantom Grip units.

[PranK]

Tried to get up my mother-in-law's driveway on the weekend, its a very tight turn into a very steep ramp and I couldn't do it. The passenger side just spun and spun and I had to leave the car down the bottom and walk up. This will be a great test after I install the LSD conversion. 

[fletch rb30]

On 20/01/2024 at 10:16 PM, PranK said:

Yikes.

Any RWD reviews for sensible owners?

 

10 hours ago, PranK said:

From what I understand these are a direct descendant of the Phantom Grip units.

No rwd experience sorry. Just a few people I know with fwd nissans. Always worked out better in the long run to get a proper lsd head.

This was maybe 2003-2006ish

[PranK]

This was interesting.