Possible dumb question

[RobE30]

At this point my 97 Ti has an open diff w/ 4 new Firestone snow tires and went OK in snow conditions. I got stuck on a small patch of ice while pulling into the garage. Is a car w/ an open diff better for DDing in crappy weather or is a car w/ a LSD better? I've driven my e30 in snow before and it was terrible, granted it's lowered which causes it's own issues but it did have 1/2 wornout Blizzaks on it. Thoughts?

[mtlblue]

My 97 has traction control, i know it helps. But its parked in the winter

[1996 328ti]

I think an LSD would have helped in that situation.

[spidertri]

Clutch type LSD would help, it would be pretty beast mode with snow tires too. Torsen style diff (from a Z3) will go open on slick surfaces or if a wheel is in the air, not good for winter conditions.

Traction control just cuts engine power, it doesn't provide any power to the wheel that does have traction.

[RobE30]

Originally Posted by spidertri

Clutch type LSD would help, it would be pretty beast mode with snow tires too. Torsen style diff (from a Z3) will go open on slick surfaces or if a wheel is in the air, not good for winter conditions.

Traction control just cuts engine power, it doesn't provide any power to the wheel that does have traction.

Thanks for the quick explaination. I'll keep my eyes open for a medium case LSD 3.46 or 3.73.

[pdxmotorhead]

I used to have a Thorsen in the back of my Jeep. Loved it. Thorsens hold torque to the wheel with the most traction, depending on the gear ratio in them. They dont work well for really high torque engines, the gears eventually spall (I had a V8 in mine.. ) If mine was basically freewheeling due to low traction, lightly riding the brakes would instantly get me moving. Thing went like stink in snow, I would use one in any 2wd without hesitation.

[1996 328ti]

Torsen.

[Monkfish]

I have the stock (clutch-pack) LSD. I think it helps in the snow, but having never driven a ti with an open diff, I wouldn't really know.

[pdxmotorhead]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Torsen.

Freeking spell checker... arg

[1996 328ti]

On the topic of diffs.
I have a quaife which acts like a torsen I'm told.
I love it on dry roads but felt my clutch pack LSD was better on wet.

[RobE30]

This car is (supposed to be) a daily driver, snow, rain, dry etc so I'd like something that'll handle these tasks. It sounds like a factory LSD would be fine. I'm going to drive it a while stock and go from there.