Is the VLSD worth it for the Sport package? I read that most VLSD systems start to become ineffective around 60k miles as the fluid ages. In addition, the VLSD is only activated if wheel spin is detected, as in at hard launch time. I am undecided between the G35 Journey and G35 Sport. The larger wheels are nice, but I can live without those. I live in Texas, so no snow, but temp does get into the mid 30's in winter for 2 months or so. I want a good handling car. Can't decide.

 

You posted in the wrong section… you need to post in the 07+ sedan

i say get the G35 Sport

 

From what Ive test driven at the stealership, the 07 Sport handles twice as better as the journey. The seats alone IMO are worth it.

 

On the '07, you get bigger brakes and swaybars as well as standard upgraded wheels and tires ... IMO ... get the Sport.

 

Don't cheap out. The sport pkg is a bargain. I don't see your concern about the LSD...so you change the fluid at 60K miles then. The engine will become pretty ineffective at 7000 miles too if you don't change the oil.

 

It's a viscous LSD and over time they'll become less effective but it's still better than an open diff. You can't just change the fluid and it's all back to new. At any rate, I don't know where he read that 60k mile thing; my guess is they function a lot longer than that.

 

I was surprised too, so googled it - according to Wikipedia, when you get to 60k miles the fluid is toast and it's acting like an open diff. Don't know whether or not that's true - again though, changing the diff fluid isn't hard.

 

vlsd blows, but it's better than any open diff

the fluid IN the vlsd (internally) is NOT changeable/serviceable, but you can still change the diff fluid that's outside of the lsd casing like any other diff... once the internal fluid dies, it'll act as an open diff, i had vlsd on my old car but i then i changed to mechanical/clutch type diff, a world of difference
it should last past 60k, that's a joke, unless for every single stop light you rev and do a burn out....

but to answer is sport package worth it, it really is up to you, i got it because i liked the sportier seat, larger brakes, paddle shifter and the vlsd

i wouldn't get the sport package if i wanted a cushier ride, or don't care about better handling
OR
i wanted to mod the car heavily later on, because it's best to buy a base car if that was the case...

 

Go sport

 

Plus you get the cool "S" badge on the back
- front spoiler
- better seats
- better brakes/wheels
- vlsd / better diff
- better resale value

 

Sorry, but theres no front spoiler, its a totally different bumper.
Oh, and personally, I think that "S" looks totally cheap and cheesy. Reminds me of a sport Toyota Corolla That sh*t would get the DEBADGE treatment so quick...

 

Mine doesn't

 

both wheels are always spinning on the VLSD, just when it slips it adjusts the power between the two wheels. i would much rather have 2 wheels spinning than just one. get the sport

 

Well, I read about the 60k through Wiki and other sites, but I don't know if that's true or not as I am pretty clueless. My last "sporty" car was a Mustang with an open diff, and I didn't like that too much at launch. I didn't think about the seat, and the handling enhancements. That's worth a second look. G35S looks like a possibility.

 

go to the dealership and test drive both, and pick which one you want. I live in Louisiana and we don't have snow either, i drove the journey with sport wheel package, it handled well enough for me, i don't auto cross so i didn't need the Sport package, so it's up to what you want.