[T7R_Sky]

I wonder if that means the 328i's have a welded diff also... They probably do though

[im spencer]

Doood! Where did you get this LSD? Also do you mind me asking how much?

[Pyrat 2]

Picked it up from Performance Gearing. If you get a complete diff with no core then think about just south of $3K. Pricey but definately waaay more performance than an intake plus exhaust combined. This, of course, assumes that you get the gear ratio increased when you purchase the LSD.

[in5ane_3]

May I ask why you opted to buy the complete diff instead of just the lsd?

[Pyrat 2]

Couldn't find a local shop willing to do just an install/upgrade. All the local shops farm this out from the same guys:
diffsonline, mm, or pg.

[in5ane_3]

They weren't willing to just install the LSD in the diff? You had to buy a whole new diff with the LSD installed and install the diff onto your car?

[dro325]

Well, I think Heeltoe changed the ratio too so if I am correct you have to change the diff (ring and pinion), the LSD part is just the internals.

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by der krieger

Well, I think Heeltoe changed the ratio too so if I am correct you have to change the diff (ring and pinion), the LSD part is just the internals.

Correct. I did both add the lsd and change the gearset - basically all new components inside the diff which reduced the possible cost savings compared to having them upgrade the original diff. BTW anyone interested in a 3.15 orginal diff with less than 30K on it???

[dro325]

That's is what I thought HeelToe. There is really no point to put the LSD with the same ratio, you wont notice anything unless you start spining the tires. For my first mod I am thinking about going with either the 3.38 or the 3.64 LSD. I have noticed there really isnt that much Engine mods worth the money.This mod you can actually feel it.

[mike-y]

also, it's a LOT easier to remove the stock diff, and replace it with another that already is assembled with an LSD. If you ask the shop to remove your stock diff, take it apart, and install an LSD and new ring and pinion gear, put it back together, and re-install, you definitely won't be saving any money.

[dro325]

I agree mike. Now do you guys think 3.64 ratio might be too much for a daily driver, and weekend autocross? I kinda think 3.38 might be a little shy from that faster acceleration that I am looking for. HeelToe, how are your highway RPMS at around 80mph?

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by der krieger

I agree mike. Now do you guys think 3.64 ratio might be too much for a daily driver, and weekend autocross? I kinda think 3.38 might be a little shy from that faster acceleration that I am looking for. HeelToe, how are your highway RPMS at around 80mph?

3.64 was too high for my tastes. I really wanted a 3.46 but the gearset was not available in that ratio. 3.38 is definately noticeable though. I don't recall my rpms at 80. You can figure on your own though by just looking at your current rpms and multiplying by 1.073 (3.38/3.15).

[Dr.Sommer]

Originally Posted by HeelToe

3.64 was too high for my tastes. I really wanted a 3.46 but the gearset was not available in that ratio.

I will install a 3,46 soon in my 330i. It is out of a wrecked 130i, which has the same gear ratios as the 330i but a 3,46 final drive instead of 3,15...
I think the 3,46 will be a very good compromise, since BMW uses it also in the 130i and Z4 3.0si. The 3,46 contains 43:13 crownwheel/Pinion set.
I will post my impressions as soon it is installed.

[Pyrat 2]

I'm jealous. I couldn't get that gearset in the states.

[KkSc]

nice

[iheartsole]

damn nice. any vids?

[Dr.Sommer]

Originally Posted by Dr.Sommer

I will install a 3,46 soon in my 330i. It is out of a wrecked 130i, which has the same gear ratios as the 330i but a 3,46 final drive instead of 3,15...
I think the 3,46 will be a very good compromise, since BMW uses it also in the 130i and Z4 3.0si. The 3,46 contains 43:13 crownwheel/Pinion set.
I will post my impressions as soon it is installed.

The 130i diff is fitted now. The swap took ~4h and included removal of the exhaust stack and drive shaft.
Since the 3,46 is an OEM solution (also used in Z4 and 130i) it is still "within the range" in terms of the "thrust vs. engine speed" tradeoff. The car has more punch in every gear but the revs at cruising speed are still convenient. For folks which do not cruise a lot on highways and want more voilence at the stop light, i think a 3,64 from a 330i auto will not be too much...
In total this is one of the best performance mod on a NA car, do really recommend. The 3,15 stock ratio is not doining it for me, too conservative and sedative.

To give you a picture what are the gains of the 3,46 at which kph, I've attached "wheel force diagram" for you to compare:

greets

[Pyrat 2]

As stated before. I'm jealous. I don't know why but we can't seem to get the 3.46 parts here in the US. Anyhow I'm happy with the 3.38 as it does improve the performance too.

[dro325]

Nice... I am still doing some research to find out if I can put a 3.64 ratio from a 330i in my 325i since I can get it cheap. I really think 3.64 is what I am looking for since it increases my RPMs by 15%. So I will be looking at around 3200 rpms on 6th gear at 80 mph.

[BlindGoldfish]

I'm going to bring this thread back because it has a lot of really good information. I've been talking with AW325x about his LSD a little bit. I believe he has the gear-based version (is that the Quiafe?) and the ones from Performance Gearing utilize the clutch-based type? What would the advantages and disadvantages of each be? The package from diffsonline is over $1,000 more than that from Performance Gearing.

I also like the idea of a pure bolt-on application so I could keep my OEM diff and have it reinstalled when (if) I sell the car so I could sell the LSD and recoup some of the $$.

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by BlindGoldfish

I'm going to bring this thread back because it has a lot of really good information. I've been talking with AW325x about his LSD a little bit. I believe he has the gear-based version (is that the Quiafe?) and the ones from Performance Gearing utilize the clutch-based type? What would the advantages and disadvantages of each be? The package from diffsonline is over $1,000 more than that from Performance Gearing.

I also like the idea of a pure bolt-on application so I could keep my OEM diff and have it reinstalled when (if) I sell the car so I could sell the LSD and recoup some of the $$.

Hey everyone. I actually have the clutch type LSD also. It's a 3-clutch set-up. They offer 2, 3 or 4 depending on horsepower.
I suggest you contact Dan at Diffsonline for a price quote. Mine was only $300 more than Performance Gearing for essentially the same thing. All new parts were used to build my diff (gears and housing included).

I have checked into Quaife LSDs and they do make one for our cars. I was going to go that route with a local shop, but they never called me back to let me know when I can bring the car in. They were going to use my own rear and retrofit the Quaife unit with new gears (3.38). I didn't like their customer service so I called Dan at Diffsonline and had fanatastic customer service. I won't flame the shop that didn't call me back, but if you PM me I'll tell you.

[BlindGoldfish]

What are the advantages of 3 or 4 clutch types over 2 clutch types?

Also, do Diffsonline product a product that is superior to PG to justify the extra cost? Do Diffsonline utlize the OEM housing for the differential? It looks like PG has a drain hole in theirs which would make swapping fluid convenient, but it would also key off BMW service that something was amiss and I still have 2.5 years and 50k miles on my CPO warranty. I don't know if I want to risk them knowing about anything.