Who makes the best limited slip differential unit? I see the Eaton compared to the stock on the website but don't see much comparing the Auburn to the Eaton.
If I upgrade, I want to use the best.
Many prefer the Eaton as it is rebuildable unlike the Auburn.
Lately the Powertrax has been getting attention and is touted as being stronger.
http://www.powertrax.com/
Some friends and I just installed the PowerTrax in my 87 GN and I am real happy with it. Installation is about 2 to 3 hours without any special tools. I had a listmember email me saying he has ran one of the earlier full locker Powertrax in his low 11 sec TR for 5 seasons of drag racing, and has not broken his Powertrax yet, only transmissions! The newer Powertrax I am using unlocks in corners, with a slight clicking sound, but reacts like a full locker under power. Tim Roark (troar@tigerpaw.com)
There are two versions of the Power Trax, the other is called either Non-Slip or Performance Locker...I understand it may be quieter and perhaps a bit stronger...
I studied the Powertrax website. It appears, from what I can see, that the differential movement of the tires on a turn cause one side of the device to disengage (I believe it will be the inside tire). And, it looks like that as long as their is differential movement, the one side will stay disengaged. That would mean that the power is transferred to the outside tire while the inside remains essentially disengaged (like an open rearend). Then, if you jump on it in a turn, I would expect that the outside tire only would spin. Or, if you are on it and enter a turn, you may find that your tire begins to spin as the inside disengages.
I don't know, it seems like a neat idea but for street use, it seems a little scary. I think if I were on the strip or was a 4x4 it would be a lot better.
Any comments from anyone?
It would be interesting to have a bit more experience with it. I note ATR is selling it as the end all for drag use.
I can only give you my personal experience with the PowerTrax No-Slip Traction system in my GN. Had it for about 2 months and really like it. I believe I paid 415 for it from Summit. It has worked great for me. I have really tested it out with several 4 or 5 lb launches on street tires, and it feels as good or better than the stock posi in my T. There is no slipping, and whenever you apply power, it reacts by locking up. The only time I hear it is when I go into a corner, you hear a light clicking sound, unlocking. Sounds cool I think. Hope it works as well for anyone else installing it. Tim Roark (troar@tigerpaw.com)
Tim, Have you experienced the Powertrax when you get on it in a turn such as making a right turn on red? It seems that your outside tire will break loose and the Powertrax unit will keep the inside disengaged or try to engage the inside and a considerable noise will result.
I agree, it seems like it will be great for straight launches whether on the street or at the strip. There is nothing to slip in this thing, so as long as the drive dogs remain engaged there is not differential movement.
I think, though, that the Eaton is going to suit me better and I think it is better quality than the Auburn.
There has not been any noise of the PowerTrax locking in when accelerating in a corner. It just locks in, both tires spinning, and since I have street tires...I just steer into the fishtail. I am going to put the GNX clone wheels with Nitto DR's from my T onto the GN to see how it reacts with sticky tires. Then I can really tell you how it launches. Tim Roark (troar@tigerpaw.com)
AUBURN!