Limited Slip Differential
  Thanks to Gary Morrell.

Background

 Vadim at the SHO Shop has been pursuing a type of limited-slip differential for the SHO's 5-speed MTX-IV transaxle. The MTX-IV differential is an 'open' differential, meaning that it will route all of the drive torque to the wheel with the LEAST traction. Open diffs are easy and inexpensive, and that's why the MTX-IV has one. The Quiafe is actually a torque-biasing differential, it will progressively route drive torque to the wheel with the most traction. It is NOT a locking differential, which is highly undesirable in a front wheel drive vehicle. The Quaife will progressively transfer torque up to about 1.7 to 1, its operation is smooth and seamless, and goes virtually un-noticed by the driver, except for the improved traction on slippery surfaces, reduced torque steer, and the lack of a smoking inside tire when powering out of a corner. The Quaife is completely compatible with normal transmission fluids and does not need any special friction modifiers. Those are the advantages.

As with anything, there are some negatives to be aware of, but they are, in my opinion, very minor:

  1. The Quaife is a bit heavier than an open diff, perhaps by a few pounds. Since the tranny has to come out to change the diff, why not use this opportunity to change your 21 pound cast iron flywheel for the 17 pound billet steel or the 8 pound aluminum flywheel? The difference in flywheel mass will more than compensate for the slightly increased differential mass.
  2. During operation, the Quaife generates a bit of heat. If I were road racing a 3 mile course for 20 lap heats, I might worry about this some, but for street and drag strip use, its not a problem. Use a good full synthetic transmission fluid, such as Mobil 1 ATF, Redline, or Amsoil.
  3. Its a bit expensive, but if you wanna' play, you gotta' pay.

Project Status
  1. Quaife has completed their engineering work, and will be adapting a design from the Porsche 6-cylinder (911 I presume...) application. This should prove to be plenty durable for even the super charged SHO's out there.
  2. The SHOShop will distribute the MTX-IV limited slip differential. Quaife won't sell directly to you, they only sell thru distributors.
  3. The price is $1195 from the SHOShop.
  4. There is a minimum production quantity of 25 units. SHOShop will enter into this venture if there are 12 or more of us who will commit to purchase one.

Purchasing

 Here's how you commit to purchase a Quaife differential, and get more details:

Contact the SHO Shop. They're at 

15608 Graham Street,
Huntington Beach, California, 92649.
Phone +1.714.894.8415
Fax   +1.714.894.8901

You'll need to commit 50% ($600) up front, by cash, check, or credit card. Delivery is slated for late October 1997.