If you’re into motorsports, you know that having a good differential can make all the difference in a race. But how do they work, exactly? In this article, we’ll break down the different types of motorsport differentials, including VLSD, Torsen, 2 Way, and plated differentials. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each, and help you understand how they work in simple terms.

What is a Differential, and Why is it Important in Motorsports?

A differential is a device that allows wheels to spin at different speeds. In a car, the differential is what allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when going around a corner. This is important in motorsports because it allows the car to turn more effectively, and depending on the setup off the diff, it helps prevent wheel spin when accelerating out of a corner.

If you want to read up on some of our suspension setup guides why not head over to our Tuning Guide Section! https://motorsandmanstuff.com/category/cars/motorsport/motorsport-tuning-guides/

How an LSD Works: How its Beneficial When Racing

A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that is designed to transfer torque between the wheels while still allowing them to rotate at different speeds. Unlike an open differential, which allows the wheel with the least traction to spin freely, an LSD will transfer power to the wheel with the most traction.

In motorsport, LSDs are beneficial because they can help to prevent wheel spin and improve traction, allowing the driver to accelerate and corner more effectively. By transferring torque to the wheel with the most traction, an LSD can help to keep the car stable and prevent it from losing grip and control.

There are several different types of LSDs available, including 2 way, 1.5 way, and 1 way LSDs, which provide varying degrees of torque transfer and lockup. By tuning an LSD to the specific racing conditions and the driver’s preferences, it’s possible to find the optimal setup for maximum performance and the fastest lap times.

Overall, LSDs are an essential component in motorsport, helping drivers to achieve better acceleration, cornering, and stability on the track. By transferring torque between the wheels and improving traction, LSDs can make all the difference in a race, providing the driver with the control and precision they need to push their car to the limit.

What are Differential Ratios and What do they Affect?

Differential ratios refer to the ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear in a differential. This ratio determines how many times the wheels will rotate in relation to the driveshaft for each rotation of the engine crankshaft.

For example, a diff with a ratio of 5:1 will mean the prop shaft will rotate 5 times for every one rotation of the output shafts driving the wheels.

Differential ratios can have a significant impact on how a car performs in different driving conditions. Here are some of the ways that differential ratios can affect a car:

Acceleration

A lower differential ratio (higher numerical value) will provide faster acceleration, as the wheels will rotate more times per engine revolution. This can be beneficial in situations where quick acceleration is necessary, such as in drag racing or sprint races.

Top Speed

A higher differential ratio (lower numerical value) will provide a higher top speed, as the wheels will rotate fewer times per engine revolution. This can be beneficial in situations where maximum speed is necessary, such as in high-speed racing circuits.

Fuel Efficiency

A higher differential ratio can also provide better fuel efficiency, as the engine will not have to work as hard to turn the wheels. This can be beneficial in endurance races or other events where fuel efficiency is important.

Handling

Differential ratios can also affect how a car handles in different driving conditions. A lower differential ratio will provide more torque to the wheels, which can improve traction and stability during acceleration and cornering. However, a higher differential ratio will provide less torque to the wheels, which can make the car more agile and easier to handle in tight and twisty sections of the circuit.

In conclusion, differential ratios play an important role in how a car performs in different driving conditions. By choosing the right differential ratio for the specific racing conditions and the driver’s preferences, it’s possible to find the optimal setup for maximum performance and the fastest lap times. Ultimately, the goal is to find the setup that provides the best balance between acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, and handling.

Consumer Vehicle Found LSD’s

VLSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential)

A VLSD is a type of differential that uses a viscous fluid to transfer torque between the wheels. When one wheel starts to slip, the fluid thickens and transfers more torque to the wheel with more traction. This helps prevent wheel spin and allows the car to accelerate more quickly out of corners.

Pros:

• Effective at transferring torque between wheels
• Can be relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Limited effectiveness at high speeds
• Viscous fluid can break down over time

Torsen (Torque-Sensing) Differential

A Torsen differential uses a set of gears to transfer torque between the wheels. When one wheel starts to slip, the gears automatically adjust to transfer more torque to the wheel with more traction. This is a more advanced and precise system than a VLSD, and it can be very effective in motorsports.

Pros:

• Precise and effective at transferring torque between wheels
• Can be adjusted to suit specific racing conditions

Cons:

• More expensive than a VLSD
• Can be more complex to install and maintain

Plated Differential

A plated differential is a type of limited slip differential that uses plates to transfer torque between the wheels. When one wheel starts to slip, the plates compress and transfer more torque to the wheel with more traction. This can be a very effective system for motorsports.

Pros:

• Effective at transferring torque between wheels
• Can be adjusted to suit specific racing conditions

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than a VLSD
• Can wear out more quickly than other types of differentials

Electronic LSDs

Electronic LSDs (ELSDs) are a relatively new development in the world of limited-slip differentials (LSDs). Instead of using mechanical components to transfer torque between the wheels, ELSDs use electronics to control torque distribution. Here’s a closer look at the characteristics, pros, and cons of electronic LSDs.

ELSDs use sensors and electronic control modules to monitor the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, and steering angle, and adjust torque distribution accordingly. This allows for precise and rapid torque transfer between the wheels, improving traction and stability. ELSDs can be adjusted to suit specific driving conditions, and some can even be programmed with different driving modes.

Pros

• Precise and rapid torque transfer between the wheels
• Can be adjusted to suit specific driving conditions
• Can be programmed with different driving modes
• Can be integrated with other vehicle control systems, such as stability control and traction control
• Can provide improved fuel efficiency by reducing wheel spin and improving traction

Cons

• More expensive than mechanical LSDs
• More complex to install and maintain
• Can be less reliable than mechanical LSDs
• Can be less durable than mechanical LSDs, especially in high-performance applications
• May not provide the same tactile feedback and driver engagement as mechanical LSDs

Exploring 2 Way, 1.5 Way, and 1 Way LSDs: How They Work in Motorsports

2 Way LSD

A 2 way LSD is a type of LSD that can transfer torque between the wheels in both directions, both during acceleration and deceleration. This means that when you’re braking, torque will be transferred to the wheel with the most traction, helping you slow down more effectively. When you’re accelerating, torque will be transferred to the wheel with the most traction, helping you accelerate more quickly out of corners.

A 2 way LSD provides the most aggressive and versatile driving experience. During acceleration, the LSD will transfer torque to the wheel with the most traction, allowing for quicker and more controlled acceleration out of corners. During deceleration, the LSD will transfer torque to the wheel with the most traction, allowing for better control and stability when braking. The result is a driving experience that is confident, precise, and aggressive.

Pros:

• Can transfer torque in both directions
• Good for aggressive driving styles
• Can be adjusted to suit specific racing conditions

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other LSDs
• More complex to install, set up and maintain
• more aggressive so may not suit certain driving styles

1.5 Way LSD

A 1.5 way LSD is a type of LSD that can transfer torque between the wheels in both directions, but with a bias towards acceleration. This means that it will transfer more torque to the wheel with the most traction during acceleration, but less torque during deceleration.

A 1.5 way LSD provides a compromise between acceleration and deceleration. During acceleration, the LSD will transfer more torque to the wheel with the most traction, but not as aggressively as a 2 way LSD. During deceleration, the LSD will still transfer torque to the wheel with the most traction, but not as effectively as a 2 way LSD. The result is a driving experience that is still confident and precise, but not as aggressive as a 2 way LSD.

Pros:

• Can transfer torque in both directions with a bias towards acceleration
• Can be adjusted to suit specific racing conditions
• Less expensive than a 2 way LSD
• More forgiving under deceleration

Cons:

• Less effective during braking than a 2 way LSD

1 Way LSD

A 1 way LSD is a type of LSD that can only transfer torque between the wheels during acceleration. This means that it will transfer more torque to the wheel with the most traction during acceleration, but will not transfer torque during deceleration.

A 1 way LSD provides the most basic driving experience. During acceleration, the LSD will transfer more torque to the wheel with the most traction, but not as aggressively as a 2 way or 1.5 way LSD. During deceleration, the LSD will not transfer any torque, which can lead to instability and less control when braking. The result is a driving experience that is less confident and precise than a 2 way or 1.5 way LSD.

Pros:

• More affordable than other LSDs
• Can be adjusted to suit specific racing conditions
• Effective during acceleration

Cons:

• Not effective during braking
• Less versatile than other LSDs

Differential Tuning

Tuning a differential is an important aspect of setting up a car for motorsport. Different types of differentials, such as limited-slip differentials (LSDs), can be tuned to adjust the amount of torque transfer between the wheels, improving handling and performance. Here’s a closer look at how tuning a differential can affect driving in motorsport.

Adjusting Torque Transfer

By adjusting the amount of torque transfer between the wheels, tuning a differential can affect how a car handles in different driving conditions. For example, a higher torque transfer will provide more traction and stability during acceleration, while a lower torque transfer will provide more agility and precision during cornering.

Too Much Torque Transfer

If you add too much torque transfer to an LSD, the car will have more stability and traction during acceleration, but may sacrifice agility and precision during cornering. This can lead to understeer, which is when the front wheels lose grip and the car pushes wide in corners. Understeer can cause the car to lose time and speed, especially in tight and twisty sections of the circuit.

Too Little Torque Transfer

If you add too little torque transfer to an LSD, the car will have less stability and traction during acceleration, which can lead to wheel spin and loss of control. The car may also be less stable during braking and cornering, which can lead to oversteer, which is when the rear wheels lose grip and the car rotates too much. Oversteer can cause the car to spin out or lose time and speed, especially in high-speed sections of the circuit.

Differential Lockup

Tuning a differential can also adjust the amount of differential lockup, which is the amount of resistance to differential movement. A higher lockup will provide more torque transfer between the wheels, while a lower lockup will provide less torque transfer. This can affect how the car handles during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Too Much Differential Lockup

If you add too much differential lockup to an LSD, the car will have more torque transfer between the wheels, providing more stability and traction, especially during acceleration. However, this can also make the car less agile and precise during cornering, as the inside wheel may lift off the ground and lose traction. This can lead to understeer and loss of speed.

Too Little Differential Lockup

If you add too little differential lockup to an LSD, the car will have less torque transfer between the wheels, providing less stability and traction, especially during acceleration. This can lead to wheel spin and loss of control, and can also make the car less stable during braking and cornering. This can lead to oversteer and loss of speed.

Handling Characteristics

Tuning a differential can have a significant impact on a car’s handling characteristics. For example, a more aggressive LSD setup with higher torque transfer and lockup will provide more stability and traction during acceleration, but may sacrifice agility and precision during cornering. A less aggressive LSD setup with lower torque transfer and lockup will provide more agility and precision during cornering, but may sacrifice stability and traction during acceleration.

Racing Conditions

The choice of LSD setup will depend on the specific racing conditions and the driver’s preferences. For example, a tighter LSD setup may be more effective on a tight and twisty circuit, while a looser LSD setup may be more effective on a high-speed circuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, different types of motorsport differentials have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. VLSDs can be relatively inexpensive but are limited in effectiveness at high speeds. Torsen differentials are more advanced and precise, but they can be more expensive and complex to install and maintain. 2 way differentials can transfer torque in both directions, but they are also more expensive and complex. Plated differentials are effective at transferring torque but can be more expensive and wear out more quickly.

Ultimately, the choice of differential will depend on the specific racing conditions and the driver’s preferences. But with this guide, you should have a better understanding of the different types of motorsport differentials available and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Remember, a good differential can make all the difference in a race, so it’s important to choose wisely.

FAQs

What is the difference between a limited slip differential and an open differential?

An open differential allows the wheels to spin independently of each other, which can lead to wheel spin and loss of traction. A limited slip differential, on the other hand, transfers torque between the wheels to prevent wheel spin and improve traction.

Can you use a motorsport differential on a street car?

Yes, you can use a motorsport differential on a street car, but it may not be ideal. Motorsport differentials are designed for high-performance racing, which can make them less practical for everyday driving.

Do all cars have differentials?

Yes, all cars have differentials. The differential is an essential component of a car’s drivetrain, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds.

Can you install a differential yourself?

It is possible to install a differential yourself, but it can be a complex and challenging process. It is recommended that you have experience working on cars or seek the help of a professional mechanic.

How often should I service my differential?

The frequency of differential servicing will depend on the specific differential and driving conditions. Generally, it is recommended to service your differential every 30,000-50,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Source:

1. “The Benefits of a Limited Slip Differential in Motorsport” by EVO Magazine – This article provides an in-depth look at how limited-slip differentials work and why they are so beneficial in motorsport. It also includes real-world examples of how different types of LSDs can be used to improve performance on the track. https://www.evo.co.uk/features/19726/the-benefits-of-a-limited-slip-differential-in-motorsport
2. “Limited-Slip Differentials: A Comprehensive Guide” by Car Bibles – This guide provides a detailed explanation of how limited-slip differentials work, including information on the different types of LSDs and their pros and cons. It also includes tips for tuning and maintaining an LSD for optimal performance. https://www.carbibles.com/limited-slip-differential/
3. “Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) – Benefits and Drawbacks” by Technostalgia – This article discusses the pros and cons of electronic limited-slip differentials (ELSDs), which use sensors and electronics to control torque distribution. It includes information on how ELSDs work and their advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional mechanical LSDs. https://www.technostalgia.in/electronic-limited-slip-differential-elsd-benefits-and-drawbacks/