[s-cars] Re: Interested in purchasing a rear diff

[Kirby Smith]

Rich Letsinger wrote:
>> What exactly do you gain by changing the diff?
> 
> 
> The torsen rear-end adds acclerative traction while making the car
> more difficult to drive.  A friend has a 200 20v with a rear torsen.
> My car is a 95.5 S6 with EDL.  I've driven both on a wet track and
> played around with both in a snowy parking lot.  They're very 
> different.
> 
> The torsen car tends to fight turn-in, causing more initial push as
> you're transitioning from braking to turning at corner entry.  And,
> if you apply too much power at turn exit, the car will power-on
> oversteer. But it's more predictable in doing these things than the
> EDL car which grabs and jerks around intermittantly.
> 
> I'd say go with the torsen only if you have track, rally or winter
> driving school experience.
> 
> Rich
> 
Interesting. On my S6, which was previously alocker, I noticed that with
the torsen it was slightly easier to drive in the snow. My car does have 
an HRSB, but in low friction conditions I doubt it can develop much 
effect. As for turn-in, comparing the S6 before and after in the snow, I 
didn't notice any degradation to what what not that great to begin with. 
I usually just initiate the turn, briefly back off to rotate the rear, 
and then steer with throttle and steering.

Where the torsen really shines is, e.g., r.h. cornering when there is 
snow or ice in the right half of the road.

kirby