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In my opinion a torque-biasing limited-slip differential is an absolute must in a GT40. For those who use Audi transaxles, the 016 boxes come from the factory with an open diff (I believe the 5000 Quattro center diff was lockable from inside the car via a pneumatic mechanism). The 01E boxes come from the factory with a Torsen-type torque-biasing LSD (the Quattro 01E boxes also have a Torsen unit on the tailshaft). My 016 box has a Quaife LSD supplied by Roaring Forties. I still haven't figured out if it can be used in the 01E box (Quaife lists two different part numbers for the 016 and 01E LSDs, and they both cost $1,500). I keep meaning to call Quaife but can never seem to get through. If possible, I'd like to adapt my 016 LSD to an 01E box, because some of the Audi guys say the Torsen will be one of the first things to fail under high-HP applications.
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Mark,
Do you have more info on the factory LSD for the 01E? I am not aware it was offered....Reading your post, I'm not sure about your reference to the Torsen, since it is only the Quattro (to my knowlege) that uses a Torsen for the front to rear drive torque biasing.
It is my experience that an open differential is somewhat easier to drive in wet conditions (or crossing a wet spot under accelleration) on the road. Light weight high HP cars can become exceedingly abrupt when wheelspin occurs in a turn on a street with limited run off area (read curbs or opposing traffic). This can be a frighteneing experience, even for an accomplished driver. Even when placidly driving my Ford Explorer with LSD in the wet, you must pay attention. The flip side is that it is difficult, even frustrating to get any power/traction whatsoever to the groung with an open diffferential in wet conditions.
The race track is an entirely different enviornment where a car is driven nothing like it is on the road (well at least in my case). The debate will surely continue, though.
Andy