How to Install a Limited Slip Differential
You can have all of the power in the world, but if it can’t get to the ground, it is useless. With my N14 engine now built and back from the machine shop, it is ready to put down some serious power. The one problem that these MINIs come with from the manufacturer is that they have an eLSD. It is a way of modulating the brakes while accelerating to reduce wheel spin from side to side.
When you’re making stock power and your car doesn’t see laps at the track, this eLSD works. If you plan on tracking your high horsepower MINI, it becomes a problem. If you perform a launch or a hard pull and one wheel wants to spin, you will be gaining speed and increasing brake temperatures as the brakes will be modulating from side to side to maintain traction. Now when you want to slow down because there is a turn up ahead, your brakes are already hot from when you were accelerating, which means your brakes don’t ever get time to cool down. By replacing the Differential in this application from an Open, to Helical / Clutch style, you will not only get better traction as there is no computing or brakes needing to be pulse, but the brakes will not get as hot during hard acceleration. For that reason, I opted for a Wavetrac differential.
I opted for the Wavetrac differential for multiple reasons. Not only is the diff made from a billet casing and held together by ARP bolts, but the differential is maintenance free. Because it is purely mechanical (gears), there are no clutches that need replacing, which makes it a set and forget part. Even though those are incredible features for the price point, it also comes with a transferable LIFETIME warranty. I’m really excited to put this diff to the test.
As for the fluids, you use the OEM specification transmission fluid since there are no clutches in this differential. If you would like a fluid that is more capable and able to withstand higher temperatures and abuse, you can opt for a high-performance synthetic Ester Oil from Motul, or a Race fluid from Motul as well. I will address all of the fluids I will be putting in the MINI when time comes to it.
You can find the products that were featured in this video below by clicking on the sponsored links below. By purchasing items below, it helps the channel operate and bring your more awesome content to you guys! Thank you for the support ❤️
///// PRODUCTS FOUND IN VIDEO
Wavetrac (Helical Style) Differential ▶︎
OS Giken (Clutch Style) Differential ▶︎
Differential Bearings (2) ▶︎
Axle Seal (2) ▶︎
ARP Differential Bolts (2) ▶︎
ARP Transmission Casing Bolts (4) ▶︎
ARP Gear Selector Bolts (1) ▶︎
ARP Main & Counter Shaft Cover Bolts (2) ▶︎
Mishimoto Magnetic Transmission Drain Plug ▶︎
Replacement Drain/Fill Bolt ▶︎
MINI Transmission Fluid ▶︎
Motul Street 300 75W90 Synthetic ▶︎
Motul Race 75W140 Synthetic ▶︎
///// TOOLS FOUND IN VIDEO
Permatex Caulking Gun & Gasket Maker Kit ▶︎
Permatex Black One-Minute Gasket Maker ▶︎
Permatex Caulking Gun ▶︎
DeWalt Cordless 20V Impact Gun ▶︎
OTC Master Torx Impact Sockets ▶︎
Genius 12-Point 3/8 Socket Set ▶︎
Pry Bar Set ▶︎
Shop Towels ▶︎
Brass Hammer ▶︎
Ball Peen Hammer ▶︎
Interlocking Foam Mats ▶︎
Parts Cleaner ▶︎
Permanent Grade Thread-locker Liquid ▶︎
Permanent Grade Thread-locker Gel ▶︎
VHT Silver Cast Aluminum Paint ▶︎
3/8” Torque Wrench ▶︎
Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker ▶︎
Camera Used for this Video ▶︎
///// TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Differential Ring Gear Bolts (10) @ 47 ft. lbs w/ red thread locker
Transmission Case Bolts (20) @ 24 ft. lbs
Gear Selector Bolts (4) @ 24 ft. lbs
Main & Counter Shaft Cover Bolts (9) @ 24 ft. lbs
Fill & Drain Plug (1 & 1) @ 32 ft. lbs w/ aluminum crush washer
///// YOU CAN SEND ME STUFF HERE
MILAN MASTRACCI
PO BOX 30075 TOWN SQ. PO
FONTHILL, ONTARIO, CANADA
L0S 1E3
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If you have any additional questions, feel free to send me an email at milanmastracci@gmail.com. Be sure to tag me on instagram @milmast with your projects. Thank you so much for watching!!