Hi All,

Just wanted some opinion of whether I should buy a wrecked VLSD or just install a Quaife in my current peg leg.

I have a 2012 Journey Sedan with a serious wheel spin problem




Thanks!
Scott

 

Stickier tires might be an easier option.

 

Absolutely. Note that the OP is from California, near Sacremento, so it's not like the limited-slip differential is going to help him in the snow, regardless whether the LSD is Viscous or Helical. And with that AT in the Journey, I suspect the traction control slaps him down long before wheel spin really becomes a problem. So if he's getting wheel spin, that's because the TC is off and he's trying to launch the car. Really, the OP needs better tires. Better tires is always better. Better still, are better tires that have a bigger better contact patch.

From what I've read between the two, I'd go with the Quaife over the OEM setup, because in for a penny, in for a pound, so might as well get the better setup. But I suspect in a daily driver, the differences are negligible.

I also suspect there's more discussion about Limited Slip over on the 370Z forums. You might have better luck over there, than here. Certainly the Sedan sub-forum is light on info and experience for mods like this.

 

I can attest to this. The traction control kicks in almost immediately when there is slippage.

I second the notion of getting stickier tires.

 

Hi All,

You are on point with the stickier tires. I bought the car from carmax with brand new budget tires that don't work at all. So I am going to set it up with the following:

ENKEI RPF1 Wheels 18x8.5" 5x114.3 40mm (Or maybe some Rays Gram lites )If I can find some used at good price.
and
Firehawk Wide Oval AS (W-Speed Rated)(Ultra High Performance All-
Size: 245/40R18
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 97W Load Index 97 = 1609lbs (730kg) per tire
Speed Rating “W” = 168mph (270kph)
Load Range: XL
UTQG: 400 A A

Comments?

is the VLSD a decent upgrade or a waste of money?

Thanks,
Scott

 

I'd find a new tire. What do those cost? I'll see whats in your price range.

Pretty much a waste if you do some good driving. Just an example, on the highway at 80mph after 35min I got my diff fluid to 194* with a temp of 50* out. Add sprinted driving in the summer and you'll easily see 300* which track guys do. Motor oil stops working at 260* basically so I'd imagine you lose the VLSD at about the same temp even though its a silicone filled unit of some kind. You're better off with an aftermarket and sticky tires. PS I have some rpf1's

 

I don't think it's a waste of money, if you've got a deal on a used rear end and cheap install costs. Otherwise, as a DD then yes, I think money could be spent better elsewhere. However, I say that purely on assumption, having never driven a RWD G37 without LSD.

Other comments? That's pretty respectable seeing you target the lightweight RPF1, but matching that with AS tires is a head scratcher, particularly considering where you live.

 

Oh I meant these
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

What tires do you recommend ?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Personally, I've never had a good experience with Firestone, and haven't given them a second look since my last set. Course, that was 30 years ago, so IDK about today.

I've been using 3-season tires off-winter for the last 11 years... First with a few sets of Goodyear Eagle F1's, and now with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The PSS are a pretty amazing tire... Long lasting, wide tread, asymmetrical design, and very lightweight. Also very expensive, but worth it.

Clearly you're going for reduced unsprung weight with those Enkies. In that theme, take a look at PSS tires.

 

Depends what you want. You live in LA so A/S tires should not be on your list. Specially with what your goal is. They last long but no grip. You want max or extreme tires. There's a few in that size that are even cheaper than those firestones I'd recommend.

 

If you change tires stay away from Falken Azenis'..... They are like slicks when the road is damp. I'm getting rid of mine as soon as I can justify it. (say 50% tread) No snow in S. Fla but tons of rain. Shoulda done a bit more research before putting these shoes on my ride.

 

Toyo T1Sports are worth a look if you don't have the budget (or can't justify spending that much) for the Pilot Super Sports. A friend of mine has them on his C6 Vette and they've performed very well w/ great grip dry & wet and decent tread wear. Andrew at Treadepot will get you a nice deal if you mention myG37.com too
Proxes T1 Sport Tires by Toyo - Buy Proxes T1 Sport Online | Tread Depot

 

Those are closer to my budget. MSS at $220-230 each are way to much to justify for me.

I have used Generals before on my G35 and had great luck with them.
These are M/S but they show great reviews on grip and they weigh 3 pounds less than most other tires. In my G35X I don't think that I could ever get them to loose grip in a corner. I was running 245 35 20s at the time. They were the previous model to G-MAX. and are out of production.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Qty=4&i1_Qty=4

 

There would be so much more benefit to running a summer tire over an all season. ~$550 could get you a set of Potenza 760, or if you could stretch another $100, Eagle F1s. These are both somewhat old tires, but they would still be better than all seasons.

Some interesting reading on summer tires:

Monsters of Grip: Nine Summer-Performance Tires Tested - Comparison Test - Car and Driver

Tire Test: Nine Affordable Summer Tires Take On the Michelin PS2 - Comparison Tests

I replaced my 050s with Pole Position S-04 and used the savings over the PSS to fund sway bars. Next tires I'll try the cool aid and get PSS.

 

Since this was written in 09 the HTR Z3 came out and has bet the V12 in everything but the wet. Should put it in first or second on that list. I bought them since at the time they were the cheapest by $100 or so.