Glenn,
While true that FVD is based in Germany, the FVD-USA group has not been without its issues in the past so I would not automatically assume that their differential is without issues. As Geary pointed out the one shown is not an
LSD but rather a
TBD. Since I have no first hand experience with the FVD unit I really can't help you any further. I would say that your Porsche tech is, however, in error and probably relying on old information and does not really know anything about the unit FVD is selling for the Cayman. Is there some other reason you were looking at the FVD besides your tech's recommendation?
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LSD - Limited Slip Differential
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A limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. In an automobile, such limited slip differentials are sometimes used in place of a standard differential, where they convey certain dynamic advantages, at the expense of greater complexity.
The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard (or "open") differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate freely– the torque transmitted will be equal at both wheels, but will not exceed the threshold of torque needed to move the vehicle, thus the vehicle will remain stationary. In everyday use on typical roads, such a situation is very unlikely, and so a normal differential suffices. For more demanding use however, such as driving off-road, or for high performance vehicles, such a state of affairs is undesirable, and the LSD can be employed to deal with it. By limiting the velocity difference between a pair of driven wheels, useful torque can be transmitted as long as there is some friction available on at least one of the wheels.
To see the installation of a LSD style unit Click Here -> Article Forthcoming Stay Tuned |
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