Settle an Argument: LSD vs Locked

[2ndclasscitizen]

Settle an argument for me people, what's better for racing, an LSD or a Locked diff?

[092326001]

i think LSD is better for racing and locked is for off road.....
not sure though, don't quote me on this

[Matra et Alpine]

Locked is only a good idea when going slow and steady.
In racing the locked drive wheels means the car will always push in the direction the driven wheels are pointing in .... this makes steering difficult as it fights against turning corners. Even worse in FWD where a tight LSD can make for the worlds worst handling

[Sledgehammer]

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

Locked is only a good idea when going slow and steady.

Dead on

In racing the locked drive wheels means the car will always push in the direction the driven wheels are pointing in .... this makes steering difficult as it fights against turning corners. Even worse in FWD where a tight LSD can make for the worlds worst handling

makes perfect sense as well. Pretty much sums it up from my training and experience.

[culver]

Spools (locked) are commonly used in oval racing (both dirt and paved). They are lighter and have less rotational inertia. They provide good stability in some conditions.

However, they aren't a good idea on most circuit type tracks. Basically they both have their respective applications.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

Locked is only a good idea when going slow and steady.
In racing the locked drive wheels means the car will always push in the direction the driven wheels are pointing in .... this makes steering difficult as it fights against turning corners. Even worse in FWD where a tight LSD can make for the worlds worst handling

That was my impression, that they caused understeer. So a good LSD would be the best option?

Originally Posted by culver

Spools (locked) are commonly used in oval racing (both dirt and paved). They are lighter and have less rotational inertia. They provide good stability in some conditions.

However, they aren't a good idea on most circuit type tracks. Basically they both have their respective applications.

I was referring to circuit in particular, but thanks for the info. Would the weight saving and reduction in inertia give enough benefit to make people choose them over an LSD despite any handling issues they might cause?

[RacingManiac]

Spools needs some pretty interesting setup choices to make them work well on road courses.....ideally you want to be able to lift inside rear on entering a corner....I have seen spool cars work well on an AutoX track in FSAE....one of the first more successful team to do this was university of queensland.....

There have been successful road course cars with spool also, the most famous one being the Porsche 956/962 line of cars.....

[SlickHolden]

Drove a spooled VN Calais 5lt, Hatted it. Shuddered on corners! - turned like a boat. To me it was - big deal with this POS.

Hand me a good LSD anyday.

[charged]

Driven spooled cars and LSD cars on a circuit and the spooled do push a bit on initial turn in but not a huge problem. Most LSD for circuit use are a 2 way and are set that tight they feel like a spool anyway. Spooled on the street is stupid . The great thing about a full spool is the strength they are virtually unbreakable. Seen plenty of LSDs on the circuit loosen and lap times turn into tyre smoke

[Quiggs]

Solid axle ftw in drag racing.

[baddabang]

Originally Posted by Quiggs

Solid axle ftw in drag racing.

Troof.