Re: More torsen discussion by C1J1Miller

["Smith, Kirby A" <kirby.a.smith@lmco.com>]

Thanks Chris.  I think, in addition, we need to consider whether there
is also a wear parameter operative in the purported spider bites.
Although we all know that Audi parts never wear out, is it possible that
due to different levels of use, especially with extra horsepower, that
some observers' torsens might have non-standard internal frictions at
critical points, thereby behaving differently than those of others under
conditions of high power and extreme turning?  Judging from my
experience with this list over the last 1.5 years, the torsen is about
the last thing anyone considers taking apart, so I suspect we do not
have the depth of tweeking knowledge for torsens that we have for bypass
valves, say.  Considering the degree of gear interface adjustment needed
to reassemble a mere standard differential, I find it unlikely that a
torsen is immune to wear and free of adjustment potential.  Anyone here
actually know more about this than my speculation?

And a note to Jeff, aka Audidudi.  Back when Autoweek was named
Competition Press, tenths were measures of ultimate performance, not
g's, and 10 of them was the best one could do, no matter how sticky the
tires were.  10 tenths driving was something Mark Donohue did for a
living, and I couldn't approach.

         ....  Kirby  (kirby.a.smith@lmco.com)
                   New Hampshire, USA
                      2 X 1988 90q