Finished my pumpkin swap...
Changed out the AT 2WD 3.3 open diff to a 3.5 with a Quaife LSD.

For those unfamiliar with Quaife, it's a Torsen type LSD;
as opposed to clutch (Nismo) or Viscose (OEM VLSD).

Much has been written already on the various types in several different threads.
More info on the Quaife diff HERE, than I could explain.

For those thinking about a DIY, I would caution that this is not for the novice.
There is a little more required than a pair of vise grips & a crescent wrench.
For those with some experience, this is very doable.
You will definitely need some deep sockets, & 2 sets of box end wrenches.
(some nuts you can't get into with a socket)
Also, you will need a 17mm crow foot for your torque wrench to tighten the drive shaft nuts.


On to the pics.....
First off I have to thank the guys at IAC tech in Woodbridge, ON (GTA) for doing the internals on the Quaife.
My first time dealing with them... they were real standup guys and reasonably priced.

PIC 1 The Quaife LSD


PIC 2 The 3.5 Open Diff (from a base MT 350Z).... cover off, ready to dissassemble.


PIC 3 The Quaife installed, bearing caps still off.


PIC 4 The Quaife installed, caps on & cleaned up ready for the cover.


PIC 5 All buttoned up waiting for the trip home...ready to be installed.

 

Looks like they're still using the 10mm spacer for the 6MT setup. I was wondering if they were including that for the 6MT install, or if they had redesigned the unit so it wouldn't require a spacer.

How long did you wait for your quaife? I'm still waiting on mine. Hopefully I can do my 3.9/Quaife in the next couple weeks.

Any driving impressions yet?

 

The pumkin swap is pretty staight forward;
As long as you're set up properly, with the right tools.

Install PIC 1 - 3.3 pumpkin disconnected ready for the support bolts to be removed.
Half shafts dropped & supported with tie wire to keep stress off the joint.
Sensors removed and drive shaft disconnected.


Install PIC 2 - Front support bolts


Install PIC 3 - Rear support stud & lowering on the jack......


Install PIC 4 - Rolling the old puppy out on the jack......
I cheated a little by leaving the exhaust in place.
It was a little awkward but not bad... I'd do the same again.
The sway bar was removed, though.


Install PIC 5 - Lifting the 3.5 Quaife into place.
A little care is required to get the rear stud into place (see circle)


Install PIC 6 - Sensors installed, half shafts & drive shaft assembled & torqued.
All buttoned up & ready to go.........

 

No spacer required...
What looks like a spacer is an extension of the Quaife body.

Very quick turn around & shippinf from Forged Internals... Sharif was great to deal with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More to follow.... sack time

 

Great writeup Ian.

Enjoy!!!!!!

B.

 

Great job! Now, what was your first "I have LSD" test?

 

You put my write up on the swap to shame! Very informative.

 

hahaha... pretty mild so far.
Trying to put a few miles on before I really get on it.

The usualy once around the block, post install test drive......
somehow it took me a half hour to get home

I'll post a more extensive write up soon....

 

Great job on the write up and welcome to the Quaife club... Good job on bolting this up yourself. Out of all my mods this was the only one where I left it completely up to the pros. Definitely don't have the right tools. And in order to get a good test while thrashing your car around you'll have to turn off VDC or else it will just interfere too much IMO. But you can still definitely feel it working with some mild hard cornering.

 

Thanks...& a great club it is
I really appreciate all the leg work by you and others in '04 to get Quaifes attention.

Still haven't pushed it too much yet.... but I know what you mean about the VDC off =
...I also have found that it really improves the VDC performance in daily driving.

VDC is not nearly as intrusive as before.
I find I can boot it, while making a right turn from an intersection now;
& I don't get that PITA throttle cut back like before.

 

This here is true for the street. But once you get it on the track, like I did for the first time with the Quaife last month, you will want to kill the VDC right away. Even my driving instructor felt it was too intrusive. Once again congrats and I look forward to your more detailed impressions after you've gotten a chance to goose it some more.

And did you repaint your new diff case? Or is it just really clean?

 

just wondering but im in houston, texas and i was wondering where i can get a 3.5 final drive and any LSD.......also if you can say what the total price was on it then that would be awsome

also how long does it take to instal??

 

I picked up the diff on my350z.
It was an open diff so not what you're looking for.
A used 3.5 OEM VLSD would likely go for at least $600 to $800.(just guessing).

The Quaife itself is $1400
Shop labor for the internals sinstall was 3hrs

The re&re which I did, took me 3hrs by the time I jacked the car etc etc......

 

Very good install Ian....
Did the different ratio upset your speedo at all?
C.