I recently went for a spin in a 3800 SC Fiero that apparently had a limited slip differential installed. The owner claims much better traction than without it, so I am surprised that this topic has not come up here lately.

any opinions? Is this worth looking into? I was told it was around $500, plus install...new syncros, etc.. Might as well look for an F23 for that kind of money

thanks

quote Originally posted by cam-a-lot: any opinions? Is this worth looking into? I was told it was around $500, plus install...new syncros, etc

I think you're going to pay a bit more than that... the cheapest LSD by itself will likely run just under that (a Team Green LSD). You start getting into the better ones like EP and you're looking at $500-$600 + start price just for the LSD.

[This message has been edited by Fiero84Freak (edited 09-19-2011).]

I've got an EP LSD in my Getrag.
All I know is that it stuck like glue during this past weekend's RFTH. I tried several times to get it to break loose.
All it did was take a quick hop to the side, dig in and go.

If you do a Getrag, do the later one. (90-91 or later) The diff is a little sturdier than the earlier (Fiero) tranny.
Mine is the 93 vintage with the hydraulic release bearing. I am really very happy with how it adapted.

------------------
Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550

Praise the Lowered!

I believe that there is a limited slip HD Getrag differential made by Quaife Engineering http://www.quaife.co.uk/
This company has a reputation for making very strong drivetrain components. I believe that a few Fiero owners have used it. Check it out.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, ZZP Intercooler, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Never needed it.

------------------
Turbo 3800 E85 5spd spec5
11.53@126.7

I know the Quaife was only available in a select few Quad 4 Getrags.
I suspect that you couldn't find one now to save your life.
It's probably out of production or made of Unobtainium.

quote Originally posted by cam-a-lot: Might as well look for an F23 for that kind of money

If you want a limted slip differential, and you're willing to do a trans swap, then start hunting the salvage yards for either a late model Cobalt or HHR SS model. The SS models that were equipped with the LNF engine and F23 five speed all came from the factory with an LSD.

cobalt ss super and turbo models and HHR ss turbo(did that one ever have the supercharged motor?) came with the f35 trans .this tranny incorporates a jackshaft setup for axles that are the right length for the fiero and will bolt up to fiero hubs .the LSD i think is a torsen unit but it was an option .not too easy to find .

I believe that OBX makes a LSD for the F23 trans for $300. But you still don't need it in a fiero.

------------------
Turbo 3800 E85 5spd spec5
11.53@126.7

quote Originally posted by Justinbart: I believe that OBX makes a LSD for the F23 trans for $300. But you still don't need it in a fiero.

You should add that you're concerned with straight lines.

Once we've modded our cars with stiffer rear springs and rear swaybars, unloading the inside rear wheel in turns becomes more of an issue.

Mine spins both tires and drifts around without a problem, i've done several autocross events and have never had the inside tire pick up and spin on me, i think an lsd would just be a waste of money unless you going for a drag car and in that case i would buy a spool. Not trying to flame just my $0.02

quote Originally posted by pmbrunelle: You should add that you're concerned with straight lines. Once we've modded our cars with stiffer rear springs and rear swaybars, unloading the inside rear wheel in turns becomes more of an issue.

I do much more than straight line. I have stiffer rear springs and swaybars. I have done circle track spectator drags. The back would come around without issues with 245/45 17's Azenis on all four corners. I now have a very tame drag radial on the rear which balances the car out better with more grip.

I could see a problem if you have broken down sloppy suspension and shitty tires. Then you are just addressing the symptoms and not fixing the problem.
------------------
Turbo 3800 E85 5spd spec5
11.53@126.7

[This message has been edited by Justinbart (edited 09-19-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Justinbart: I do much more than straight line. I have stiffer rear springs and swaybars. I have done circle track spectator drags. The back would come around without issues with 245/45 17's Azenis on all four corners. I now have a very tame drag radial on the rear which balances the car out better with more grip. I could see a problem if you have broken down sloppy suspension and shitty tires. Then you are just addressing the symptoms and not fixing the problem.

Mine did it with mid-grade 225/45R17 BFGoodrich g-force sport tires.

When I went to "decent" 245/40R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 tires, well, these just stick.

quote Originally posted by pmbrunelle: Mine did it with mid-grade 225/45R17 BFGoodrich g-force sport tires. When I went to "decent" 245/40R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 tires, well, these just stick.

So maybe what we can get from this is that a little extra spent on tires could save you from spending the money on a LSD. Tires will provide greater performance enhancements over an LSD in more situations.

------------------
Turbo 3800 E85 5spd spec5
11.53@126.7

quote Originally posted by Justinbart: So maybe what we can get from this is that a little extra spent on tires could save you from spending the money on a LSD. Tires will provide greater performance enhancements over an LSD in more situations.

If you have to pick one or the other, then yes.