NO LSD for 2-eleven

[Rich H]

Originally Posted by Kiwi 2-11

Here is a quote from Nick Adams of Lotus Cars UK
"An LSD is only really of benefit if driving on very bumpy/loose surfaces or on a track with very slow, tight corners taken in first or second gear. In these cases the LSD will give superior traction. Against this the LSD will reduce steering sensitivity and also will induce high speed understeer on fast corners so in most cases the car is faster without an LSD. We don't like them and therefore tend to try and put people off them, but if you feel you want one we can oblige"

To a high degree the T/C negates 99% of why you would require LSD..and of coarse there is the additional weight to be factored in here.

Its worth noting, however, that when Lotus itself contested US pro road races, in the SCCA World Challenge, the factory X180Rs were equipped with LSD: wonder what's changed.

[ace996]

Phenomenal discussion, fellas, although I feel the need to add one slant to the LSD debate. The issue of corner exit power delivery is a very strong one and is crucial to fast laps, but it's only one-half of the equation. The second half is on corner entry...a clutch-type LSD will allow one to late-brake MUCH deeper into a turn without swapping ends.
You know that feeling you get when you've braked just a little too late? Well, that won't happenso easy when the car is fighting oversteer on entry. IMHO, this is where the most benefit can be found on the Lotus (at least the underpowered ones).
The problem with the clutch-type LSD, and perhaps an unspoken reason ofwhy they are generally not installed, is they create a good deal of heat and a heavily tracked car will require the need of a tranny-fluid cooler.

This whole discussion of "understeer" is confusing...sure LSDs create more rear grip, which generally leads to less grip up front, but the lack of camber on the Lotus is the real reason for understeer. I'd rather have the option of dialing in my suspension correctly with the proper equipment installed, than have to "make due" with the band-aids of open-diffs and brake-actuated traction control.

And the real frightening thing is when you bang a berm on a track, on power, and the lighter/airborne inside wheel spins up to REALLY HIGH RPMS!!!! and then settles down with the most sickening BANG!!!! and then you've no more drive to the rear wheels....yeah, autoxers know this best....the broken driveline due to open/torsen diffs.

A properly adjusted cutch-type LSD is the logical call...that's what I'd want.

Be good,
TomK

[Hello Kitty]

I think opendiff increases understeer. Imagine that your turning left, and your inside left tire spins because of your open diff. Even though traction is low, the only wheel providing forward power is the left one, causing the car to passivly rotate right... understeer!!!!