LSD Group order ?

Thinking out aloud perhaps you can source the bits for an LSD from an Alfa? The basis of their Q4 must have the appropriate parts or am I talking out my arse? Can you get the bits for it, the casing would be different for the Centre diff but perhaps it can be broken down to component parts, not having seen a manual or what have you I wouldn't know but the gearbox on the 1.9 is same family as 3.2 so perhaps you can get bits from a crosswagon, its a stretch but hey just throwing another idea into the mix

That sounds very promising!

Would you be able to direct me to the garage who actually installed the Quaife units on GTA's ? I hope you won't take offence, but i would really prefer getting a first hand confirmation that it is doable. Last time i used my garage for a "sure thing" was when i asked them to install original GTA brakes on my TS, using the GTA suspension uprights. 15 man hours later and after changing the steering rack twice, it turned out the Breaker who sold me the suspension uprights, had given me some sort of prototype suspension uprights (with a partnumber no one has been able to indetify), which didnt work with the steering racks of any 156 model. Anyway, point being that this little adventure cost both me and the garage a pretty penny, and i would hate to ask them to install a part which again turns out not to fit

Originally Posted by Hobbes

The Quaife LSD has been installed on quite a few Alfas (at least 10 that I know of) here, many of which are GTAs. The garage tells me there are no compatibility issues in the installation between the 2.5 and 3.2. So far everyone who's had it installed is very happy...
Having said that, I opted for the AD LSD, and I'm lov'in it!

Originally Posted by Peter K

That sounds very promising!

Would you be able to direct me to the garage who actually installed the Quaife units on GTA's ? I hope you won't take offence, but i would really prefer getting a first hand confirmation that it is doable. Last time i used my garage for a "sure thing" was when i asked them to install original GTA brakes on my TS, using the GTA suspension uprights. 15 man hours later and after changing the steering rack twice, it turned out the Breaker who sold me the suspension uprights, had given me some sort of prototype suspension uprights (with a partnumber no one has been able to indetify), which didnt work with the steering racks of any 156 model. Anyway, point being that this little adventure cost both me and the garage a pretty penny, and i would hate to ask them to install a part which again turns out not to fit

No offence taken! The garage is Alfa Passion here in Hong Kong. The guy's name is Albert, and he's also (one of) the founder of the local AR Club. PM me and I will give you his contact details. He speaks OK English. In fact, I will be heading in to see him this weekend with a buddy of mine - he's getting the Quaife LSD installed in his 147 GTA.

Beautiful!! PM sent

Have you had a chance to compare the two LSDs Hobbes?

I will soon! Albeit in a 156 GTA and my bud's 147 GTA. I'll tell you in about a week.

Good progress, it looks like we are 99% sure that the diffs fit, and are 99% sure that the installation is not an "engine out" job.

I'm awaiting the price for a "bulk" buy soon and will update you. I may or may not be in a position to take part, with a new baby and also some challenges at work recently the income situation is not ideal!

Hi chaps, prices from Quaife are:

1-4 @ £660.00 gbp each
5-9 @ £528.00 gbp each

These prices are not including VAT (sales tax, basically, which is 17.5% in the UK) or delivery. To get the discount the 5+ diffs need to be ordered and paid for by the same person and delivered to that person.

I'm convinced I'll be taking this route at some stage, but not now, the car is only a year old and I'n not especially flush right now. Do we have 5 takers, and someone willing to act as "organiser" in terms of paying and sorting shipping out?

Be careful when dealing with Quaife, it is not unknown for them to increase the price during the processing of your order...

I've sent an email last week to that bloke in Hong Kong, who supposedly installed them in GTA's, but got no response.

Long time no hear! Any movement? Recent AROC magazine someone fitted a viscous coupling rather than a gear driven or clutch plate diff, with good results. Don't know if this would work on a 156 (V6 or GTA).

I thought viscous coupling diffs react too slowly for serious use in FWD cars?
Aren't they normallly used with 4WD cars on the centre diff or something where more leisurely paced differentiation is needed?

Open to correction on the above

Peter K,
Just give Albert a call. He's much better at talking than typing.
My bud's loving the Quaife LSD in his 147GTA.. so much so that he hasn't let me drive it yet.

Thx Hobbes, It sounds like the diff goes in the GTA without a doubt. If you are sure it was the one fitted to your friends car, and it seems to work, then it's good enough for me. There was talk about teaming up with another group of Alfisti for one big group buy. Will try to see if i can get an update on their progress.

Originally Posted by Trailbraker

I thought viscous coupling diffs react too slowly for serious use in FWD cars?
Aren't they normallly used with 4WD cars on the centre diff or something where more leisurely paced differentiation is needed?

Open to correction on the above

Always seemed fine in my Fiat Coupe which had 290ish bhp and 300 lbs of torque, pretty rapid, VC was not perfect but it worked, barely had any traction issues, apart from in the wet, haven't driven an LSD equipped car of similar spec to comment of differences.

LSD works great on a powerfull FWD. I am positive the LSD is the main reason behind the excellent handling i have on my 3.2. I am also pretty sure the main reason behind the nervous feeling i get from the Novitec GTA on B-roads, is because it lacks an LSD. Albeit a more competent suspension would probably also help a great deal.

I suppose if i only had the Novitec GTA to drive, then i could learn to control the car as it is. I could probably also get used to it over time. But it has proven to be a real problem for me switching back and forth. The LSD equipped 3.2 feels so much safer and controllable, while the GTA actually scares me on B-roads. As it is now, I can't use the added power from the S/C on anything less then a motorway. I really hope a different suspension and a LSD will bring the car up to a better standard... It's no fun driving a car which scares you

Originally Posted by Peter K

.. It's no fun driving a car which scares you

Speak for yourself
I'd be happy to swap with you
So are you thinking of getting the Quaife setup pete?

Originally Posted by Peter K

Thx Hobbes, It sounds like the diff goes in the GTA without a doubt. If you are sure it was the one fitted to your friends car, and it seems to work, then it's good enough for me. There was talk about teaming up with another group of Alfisti for one big group buy. Will try to see if i can get an update on their progress.

Yes, I confirmed with Albert just 2 days ago. (I was at his garage - the heater hose had split). LSD fitted was 2.5 V6 Quaife in the 147GTA. I also met up with the local AR Club, and quite a few had the Quaife fitted on GTAs with no issues.

There is a group of Greek Alfisti (6 buyers) which are about to order. I think we shold try and get in at the same time as them. Who is still interested?

I intend getting an LSD sometime this summer (for road use only). Based on Trailbraker's positive (and usually reliable ) feedback (on a car with more than standard power), I'm leaning towards the Autodelta clutch-type LSD, even though it's a relatively expensive unit (Stg 1803.62 fitted, incl. VAT; Stg 995 not fitted, excl. VAT); I'm not flush with money so I can't afford to take any risks. If anyone can convince me that this Quaife unit is equally good for road use (e.g. does it turn the car into a bucking bronco on uneven surfaces?), and will last as long, and with no long-term side-effects, I would certainly consider getting involved in a group buy at this time. Bear in mind that our roads are of a much lower standard than the UK and Europe. (It seems Hobbes never came back with feedback on the relative merits of the two diffs.)

I've used both. A clutch type diff like the autodelta unit is ultimately more suited to track, and a torsen (gear) type unit more suited to road use.

A clutch type diff has parts (the clutch plates) that will wear out, needs setting up and adjustment to give it's best, and makes some noise on the move, especially noticeable at low speed.

A torsen diff like the quaiffe will last pretty much forever with no ill side effects, but does not perform quite as well on track. Quaiffe claim the design is "understeer defeating" and certainly they are well suited to FWD, Ford spent absolutely ages choosing then destruction testing many diff units before choosing it for the Focus RS.

Both diff types will cause some torque steer, you need to be driving with two hands on the wheel, I'd hope most Alfa drivers would anyway! A torsen type diff will probably cause a tad more torque steer.

I've driven with the Quaife LSD for the past 8 months on a 3.2 engine/gearbox Yesterday was the first time i experienced any torque steer. I think its due to the engine has now done just over 10.00 km, so it's run in. It feels more "loose" and free reving these days. Maybe it got a few more Nm of torque, and crossed a barrier. Then again, who the hell knows why it all of a sudden torque steers... its an Alfa!

Anyway, so far i'm well pleased with the Quaife unit, and since my GTA will not really be tracked(i think) the Quaife seems the right choice in my case. Which type of LSD you choose is up to your own prefence. Moneywise, i think the quaife costs almost half that of the AD unit when you also take the fitting costs into account. I won't deny this also plays a major role for me

@Jwyatt
Thanks for the insight. Clarkson's (and, iirc, Tiff Needell's) negative impression of the Focus RS' behaviour on B-roads was making me wary of the Quaife unit. Maybe the Focus had a particularly aggressive setup?

I guess the Quaife should satisfy my relatively undemanding needs. I still feel like I'm not getting all of the GTA's power down, especially in corners, so I'd rather concentrate on that before considering fantasy stuff like AD's 3.7L engine - I've had the AD coil-over suspension kit installed to great effect, and Michelin PS2s have further helped harness those rampaging horses (~265 in my case).

@Peter K
You can count me in on a group order (