[V8] Torsen question\Re: [s-cars] FS: '93 V8 Quattro

[Buchholz, Steven]

> > 4.2L, 276 HP, 4 spd automatic, dark green, tan leather interior.
> >        Rear torsen differential, center differential 
> computer controlled.
> What pray tell is this. Computer controlled center/rear torsen???
> Some kind of special/aftermarket, new one on me but thats 
> certainly possible.

Yes, long ago, with visions of Porsche 959s dancing in my head, I too
thought that might provide a means to create a computer controlled torque
split.  What I found is that the tranny has a computer controlled locking
device built into the center differential.  The center diff on the V8 is an
open planetary gear based differential which can be locked a la Gen I
quattros.  The tranny computer taps into the ABS wheel sensors and
determines if there is any wheelspin, and locks the center diff if it
determines that wheelspin is present.  That's all folks!

As reported by others the rear diff on the V8 is a Torsen unit.  

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)