GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: speedynz on 09 March 2008, 21:30
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I've done a search and seen a lot of talk about the Quaife LSD but can't find any feedback from anyone who's fitted one or any independent tests. Has anyone actually fitted the Quaife LSD to an Edition 30 or standard GTI?
If so, how good/bad is it?
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just as I was making a search for that quaife lsd I noticed your post. I've found this just out of interest
http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/engines-transmission/3074-quaife-lsd-my-thoughts.html (http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/engines-transmission/3074-quaife-lsd-my-thoughts.html)
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just as I was making a search for that quaife lsd I noticed your post. I've found this just out of interest
http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/engines-transmission/3074-quaife-lsd-my-thoughts.html (http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/engines-transmission/3074-quaife-lsd-my-thoughts.html)
Helpful post trint, when people spend their 'hard earned' on a product they understandably tend to have a bit of a rave about it whilst overlooking the 'deficiences'.
Setting up a slippy diff is not an easy process and can lead to dramatic changes in handling characteristics which is why I'd like some honest feedback.
Anyone else reading this thread should take a look at trints link.
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well that link puts me off getting one! lol
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Guys, that posted link is a thread from 2001 !!!!! Quaife's ATB technology has moved on from then!
The Quaife for the Mk5 GTI is already in discussion here: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76901.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76901.0)
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Guys, that posted link is a thread from 2001 !!!!! Quaife's ATB technology has moved on from then!
The Quaife for the Mk5 GTI is already in discussion here: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76901.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76901.0)
Thanks Robin, I'd read that link but no one has posted after fitting one and I'd love some user comments.
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Thanks Robin, I'd read that link but no one has posted after fitting one and I'd love some user comments.
....I think that's only because no-one has fitted one yet that we know of.
The DSG box of tricks isn't actually new, first appearing in 1980's Audi Quattro rally beast, but has only recently gained acceptance. It's percieved as being somewhat more complicated than it is and also as expensive to replace. Our beloved Mk5 GTI's are only just ageing beyond their warranty period and so there is a natural reluctance to break into that DSG box. In fact the Quaife ATB is a fit & forget component and does not live at a deep level inside the DSG unit.
I'm keeping an eye across the pond where the American boys go steaming in with mods much more readily and where I expect to read reports about it well before doing so here. Obviously I'll post accordingly unless someone beats me to it. :smiley:
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I have a Quaife ATB diff fitted to my Edition 30 (I think Quaife used my car as a guinea pig to develop the Edition 30 diff as it was found to be slightly different to the regular GTI one - they had it for 2-3 weeks).
So far I have found it to be a very good improvement over standard, with no negative side affects (increased torque steer etc). I mainly fitted it as I am running approx. 320BHP and use the car for quite a few track days where it comes into its own really.
I would also add that in the wet it is still quite easy to light up both front wheels at lower speeds and that is doesn't completly stop the wheel hop that everyone seams to be complaining of (I also have the following chassis mods: Koni FSD's, Eibach springs, H&R anti-roll bars, Morego powergrip kit and ECS dogbone mount).
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....A Warm Welcome to the forum, g60 :smiley: - You were obviously lurking but mention of the magic word "Quaife" brought you out of the shadows :grin:.
Very useful feedback - Especially for me who has similar suspension - KoniFSD + Eibach ProKit + Eibach ARB's + Neuspeed insert but not the shortened Morego wishbones. Methinks you would benefit significantly on track with AP Racing Big Brakes - It is likely to shave lap time.
With 320 neddies on the front wheels it's really not surprising that you would still light up the front wheels in the wet, or even damp. What tyres are you running on the road?
I expect that the ESP still comes in when needed but just that the need is higher up the scale.
So, overall, would you say the Quaife is beneficial for fast road use? :cool:
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Thanks for the warm welcome RedRobin :smiley:
As for brakes, I was running the VW Racing 6 pot caliper big brake kit on the front which were perfect for track use but I found them a bit unrefined for road use (too much noise when not up to temperature). I am now running R32 front brakes and am waiting for Ed @ APS to do the rear R32 brakes as well. I have found this a much better option on the road (I do 100 road miles a day with the car) although I am yet to test them on the track.
I am running Michelin Pilot Sport 2's for road and track at the moment and find them to be very good. My next upgrade is to find another set of Edition 30 rims to fit some Toyo R888 track day tyres.
Overall I would highly recommend the diff upgrade (although it is quite expensive!) and I find it a great benefit for fast road use.
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^^^That's what we're after^^^
Good on ya for coming up with some info, can you expand a little with your experience of the diff?
Any binding in tight turns?
Different steering feel (fidget)?
Does it feel more aggressive to drive?
Do you feel it working and pulling the car to the apex under power?
Does the car still flow along on a cross country blat or do you have to fight it more?
You say it was expensive, do you mean fitting it was expensive?
I noticed that Quaife didn't list the ED 30 on their website but listed Cupra/S3 Audi etc, is this what you mean when you say that it was a different fitment for the ED 30?
Thanks for the info so far, keep it coming.
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Should have mentioned the 2001 posting bit and I'd only realised after posting :embarassed:
Depending on how many revisions Quaife have made over the years I wonder if some of those characteristics of the LSD have been toned down.
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Ok speedynz answers as follows:
Any binding in tight turns? - I have not experienced any binding in tight turns.
Different steering feel (fidget)? - Steering still feels very good with no real increase in fidget or torque steer.
Does it feel more aggressive to drive? - I think maybe you are more tempted to drive aggressively (on a track) as you can give it more beans earlier in a corner but my car as a whole probably contributes to being more aggressive - not the diff alone.
Do you feel it working and pulling the car to the apex under power? - If you balance the power well you can feel it pull the car to the apex nicely but if you give it too much, it will understeer as it will spin both wheels (at lower speed corners with ESP off). I would also add that I think the diff when first installed can be setup to be more or less extreme - mine being less extreme.
Does the car still flow along on a cross country blat or do you have to fight it more? - Car still flows nicely on a cross country road - no fighting needed (this maybe because it has been setup to be less extreme).
You say it was expensive, do you mean fitting it was expensive? - I'm not sure of the total cost for the diff alone as I had other work done at the same time but the gearbox was sent away to Quaife for fitting. I think the diff itself was £550 + VAT.
I noticed that Quaife didn't list the ED 30 on their website but listed Cupra/S3 Audi etc, is this what you mean when you say that it was a different fitment for the ED 30? - Having looked on the Quaife website I'm not sure on this point. I can only advise you to speak to Ed @ APS who took care of everything for me in this regard.
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Thanks for all your information, comprehensive and very helpful.