After looking at the 3.917 final drive gear swap, I started to consider the package with the NISMO LSD... ...until reading an article on the NISMO 350Z R-Tune. I think it was in Import Racer or something similar. Anyway, there are a couple of references to the noisy operation of the NISMO LSD ("Klak, KLAK!"). Obviously, this is descriptive of the sound but doesn't reflect the volume of the noise.

Anyone installed this LSD yet? I'd really like some feedback on the noise level of it's operation, as well as driving impressions in terms of performance and relaxed cruising.

 

Well at least with my helical LSD in the front of my subaru....It makes a very audible CLANK, CLANK, CLANK when you make low speed tight turns with it.

 

Hmm. Considering I won't be doing any serious drifting or taking it to any track days, this is probably overkill and will just diminish the luxury feel of the car. Good news, I suppose, as it certainly makes the final gear swap a lot more affordable.

If anyone has anything else to add, any additional feedback would still be appreciated.

 

Quaife LSD (just released) may be an excellent alternative for ya. It is a gear type LSD (like the Torsen ... it's clutch less) and operates silently.

Go here for more info

 

It sounds like this might be a little bit too aggressive for you, although it does look like you have an good amount of mods already. I have mine set for the least aggressive setting - 60% lockup. I followed the break-in process of doing figure 8's and use Redline fluid with friction modifier. It is still very annoying in parking lots but doesn't bother me any other time.

It is a very sweet feeling when the car is pushed to the limit. IMO to get all the benefits of a clutch type LSD, you really need to drive the car hard a lot. The OEM VLSD does a decent job most of the time, and sounds like it will be good enough for what you want. If possible, get a ride or even drive a car with the Nismo LSD and that will probably make your mind up one way or the other.

 

I concur with the good advice above. I have the Nismo LSD with redline fluid and friction lube (MOC) with the unit on the middle setting. On the track it is fabulous. But I always drive the car with the vdc off unless it is raining (and I try not to drive it in the wet with the big tires and vented hood anyway). But if you take a sharp, slow turn at a traffic light, or say a smooth tight turn at the supermarket parking lot, you are going to get the trademark "pop-pop-pop" and jerking as the inside wheel locks up and pushes. You can solve the issue by just tickling the throttle before you turn, then depress the clutch and coast through the parking lot turn. That way little old ladies loading their groceries and mothers with young children won't scream at you.
A lot of mods are civilized. This one is a bad boy. If you don't really need it in your driving, don't do it.