Re: Torsen Tech

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

David Eaton wrote:

> this manouever is what i have called the (generation 1) quattro "tank
> slapper".  lift a front inside wheel, zero torque, large oversteering moment,
> the wheel drops as car comes around.  your traction now returns and the car
> is now heading the wrong way (opp lock on), and cocks the
> wheel again.  repeat with greater degrees of oversteer until the car goes
> backwards through the hedge.

Yikes... I hope I never lift that front inside wheel!! I'll keep this in mind
when doing track events... clip the curb... and the real fun begins!!

My question is: Does the full power distribution (i.e. all to one wheel) really
happen that quick... like in a fraction of a second? I would think that there
is a bit of lag time... and that unless you have the wheel up in the air for a
couple of seconds, it's not going to have a noticeable effect. And besides,
isn't there a bit of residual rotation at each wheel to balance and carry the
car through for that split second?

> lock the diff if you're planning to go fast.  wet or dry.  don't even think
> about it....

Okay folks... I've heard a lot of BTDT, and conflicting opinions (which BTW,
has been very interesting and informative reading), but am more confused now as
to what is best.

I do notice that the QSW feels much more stable when the center diff is locked
in the rain. I like the feeling it gives. But it now scares me to think that it
might "bite me" by hydroplaning easier (unexpectedly that is... I don't drive
faster than it makes sense for the conditions)... or oversteering on hard
braking. I guess I'll just keep this all in mind, so that I am prepared to try
to address either scenario should it happen.

So far, my BTDT is that is "feels" and performs better with it locked in the
wet. I guess time and experience will tell me for sure what is best... :-)

--
         Jim Griffin - Maryland, USA
JGriff@pobox.com - http://pobox.com/~jgriff
 "Perception is often stronger than reality!"
 '92 Audi 100S - '87 VW Quantum Syncro
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