Limited-Slip Diff w/ Cooper S?

[EvanL]

I couldn't find anything online or in search, so I'll start a new thread. Does the Cooper S come with a LSD?

Thanks,
Evan

[TomM]

No.

Some say it is necessary, some say you can do without it.

[EvanL]

Damn. I say it's necessary if you're taking it to the track...especially for a front-driver.

[G. P. Burdell]

Mini Mania offers an LSD for the Cooper S.

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NMG1002/InvDetail.cfm

[SilverStreak]

So does www.europeanracing.com

[MINIRacer]

Several MINI related vendors sell the Quaiffe differential for the S.

Is it necessary? Well, it is probably worth 2 seconds on a 60 second autocross course, based on STX results at Nationals.

On a track, you could probably live without it, unless the track is really tight.

I don't have one on mine yet, I'll probably wait until the warranty is over.

[SilverStreak]

Gorgeous car you got there, MiniRacer! :buttrock

[MINIRacer]

Thanks, man. I just finished the suspension last weekend. Finally dialed out most of the understeer, and I like it! :)

[Kyle K.]

What suspension modifications did you do to get rid of the understeer? I'm not a big fan of it. :az:

BTW, like Dave said, very nice car you've got there :cool:

[MINIRacer]

I put on the H sport springs and RDR rear sway bar. I purchased everything from Helix13.

Also I'm running 215/45-17 Yoko ES 100s on Prodrive P1 wheels. I'm going to have to roll the fenders on the back, as I get some rubbing when I really push the car. The standard size 205/45-17s don't have a problem. But I like the extra width, for looks and especially for traction purposes.

I have the rear bar on the middle of the three adjustment holes, and it is pretty neutral. I'll probably experiment with the stiffest setting (which should be more oversteer) at an autocross test-n-tune and see what I like best.

The H sport springs, from what I understand, are slightly different than most of the other ones in that the rears are stiffer than the fronts. This also helps with the understeer.

Thanks for the compliments, man. This is the first car since my Z3 (which was before we had a kid) that I am really happy with.

[kapolani]

I'm going to be doing the same mods this spring.

I'm going for the -

pulley
ecu
suspension - same setup you have.

[snappermini]

The car needs a LSD to put the power down. IMO

Yes .. if you are going to track the car and plan to be competitive.

[M5EURO]

yes,
it handles like a go-kart!

[GSBMW325is]

As a daily driver, I know mine would be much more fun with an LSD. The car is great in transitions and sweeping turns, but suffers when you apply power trying to exit slow corners at a fun pace...
I think the base Cooper suffers less from this due to its limited power (as opposed to the S).

[bokes]

we dont have those problems, weve got a NORMAL mini!! haha. not enough power to cause problems :(

[M3ntal Kev]

The MCS does not come with and LSD from the factory.

I don't think the stock car really needs one badly, but as you start adding power you start to realize that you could use one.

I am planning to have one installed, but its hard to justify the install unitl you need a LW flywheel and clutch too, since you'd end up doubling the labour costs. So that said, it probably won't happen until next year.

EDIT: my comments are based on 18psi of boost, intake and exhaust work.

[1996 328ti]

I am one of those who thinks the car needs a LSD or Quaife. Even on the street the torque steer can be uncomfortable for me and I am not even pushing the car. Since the car is my wife's, a new diff is out of the question.
But she's going to do some autocrosses so we will see. :)