Anyone break a S15 HLSD yet?

[twin_vector_turbo]

Looking to buy an S15 HLSD for my 400+ hp/tq V8 swap.

Has anyone ever broken the diff before?

[e1_griego]

Nah, it won't break. There's no wear, really, so there's not much to break.

A few folks on NRR have helicals in their v8 s-chassis with proper tires (ie r-comps) and have never had problems, though most people have gone to clutch-types at this point.

[twin_vector_turbo]

I want to make sure that if I were to do a semi-aggressive launch, or if there is wheelhop, that I don't break something.

There is a weakpoint in every single part.

I'm not talking about wear of the friction washers or helical gears. I'm talking about the major pieces like the output shafts, ring gear/pinion, or differential housing.

Their size and material strength determine their overall strength.

[jr_ss]

Axles are going to go long before the Helical will.

[e1_griego]

A torsen and a ring gear/pinion are different.

I assume you're dropping it into an s13/s14 housing.


An r200 is stout as hell -- they will clearly hold up to 315 Hoosier a6 launches for multiple seasons (see national championship winning Street Mod s14).

The axles are weaker than the diff, for sure.

[twin_vector_turbo]

A torsen and a ring gear/pinion are different.

I assume you're dropping it into an s13/s14 housing.


An r200 is stout as hell -- they will clearly hold up to 315 Hoosier a6 launches for multiple seasons (see national championship winning Street Mod s14).

The axles are weaker than the diff, for sure.

Not sure I follow by what you mean that they're different. The torsen is just the guts (helical gears, friction washers, etc). The differential still has a ring gear and pinion (not insulting your intelligence, I'm just not sure what you'e getting at).

I'm actually planning on using the S15 pumpkin for plug-n-play install with the 3.69 ratio. I need a custom driveshaft anyways.

I keep hearing the R200's are stout, but then again, I don't know too many high torque vehicles that run them with a tire/suspension setup for max traction. I'll have to check out the NRR forums for reference.

Yes, I'm definitely worried about stock axles, but I'm planning on going with a custom setup that should eliminate that problem.

[e1_griego]

Most people don't run the full s15 diff, they just swap the guts.

In any event, the ring gears and whatnot are the same strength for all the r200s that bolt into the s-chassis.

If the diff holds up to launches on 315 A6s (which is pretty much more grip than anyone runs), I'm sure you'll be fine.

[turbob16ef]

How do these compare to q45s? 97+ have same 3.69.

I do know someone that had the s15 complete rear diff/axles never had a problem making about 600hp through his 2j/r154.

I will be using the 97 q45 diff with 6 bolt axles for my 650ish with my 2j/r154.

[Black R]

Q45 is viscous.

Griego, is the hlsd what pj runs?

I assumed he ran a clutch type LSD.

[jr_ss]

The Q45 is a VLSD and in time it will fail to lock. By design a Helical cannot fail to lock as long as there is some traction for both wheels.

[turbob16ef]

I knew that. Lol. I guess I shoulda thought for a couple mins before asking. Was more just thinking LSD vs LSD. Disregard my question. Lol.
Thanks for the replies though.

[e1_griego]

PJ has a giken now -- that's pretty much what everyone runs on NRR any more. Join the club!

He was running an OBX helical before, and if that held up then the OEM s15 will *never* die! lol

[Def]

S15 diff will last forever behind a 400 HP V8.

[twin_vector_turbo]

I'll make a post on NRR to see their first-hand experience about the S15.

The only problem I have with comparing the V8 to the the turbo cars, is that the torque that the V8 creates will be instantaneous, versus a slower build up for a turbo car. Granted the car will be light, with 255 max summer tires, I don't want to take any chances.

Also, the other reason why I'm a little hesitant is the following: when making fast tight turns I'll lift the inside rear tire into the air and spin it up. When I straighten up, the tire, which is spinning fast, will contact the ground creating a spike in torque.

It sounds like I should be set, but a broken diff (output shaft, ring gear, internals, etc...) is the last thing I want to think about.

Next question, has anyone played with different axles?

It seems like the Q45 axles are my best, most economical, bet since they have the ball and cage design, and not to mention they were sized for a heavy V8 powered car.

I know the outer CV of the Q45's uses a larger spline, so I will need to sell the N/A Z32 hubs I bought.

For the inner CV, I was thinking of designing a beefy adapter plate that mates the 6x1 bolt axles to the 6x2 S15 diff output shaft.

The only thing I'm not sure of is axle lengths. The Q45 diff should be wider than S15.

Ideally I would play with the spacer widths until I could get the Q45 axles to fit correctly. it would be awesome to order a set of replacement axles thru Autozone with a lifetime warranty, versus paying big $$$ to DSS or Mazworx.

[Def]

I've run an S15 hlsd on track for 10 yrs. it'll be fine. You're worrying about nothing on the diff.

[twin_vector_turbo]

I've run an S15 hlsd on track for 10 yrs. it'll be fine. You're worrying about nothing on the diff.

Sounds good, thanks. Have you ever taken it to the drag strip though or launched aggressively with it?

Now I just need to figure out axles.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Sounds good, thanks. Have you ever taken it to the drag strip though or launched aggressively with it?

Now I just need to figure out axles.

R200 axles are weak right at the spline into the hub. I've seen enough RB guys twist it like pretzels at over 600whp. At that point, either go aftermarket axles or upgrade the whole rear end to a R230 rear end off R-chassis GTRs or Z32 TTs.

Driveshaft Shop 900HP Complete Level 5 Axle Kit - Nissan 240SX 89-98 - Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC (http://www.enjukuracing.com/products/Driveshaft-Shop-900HP-Complete-Level-5-Axle-Kit-%252d-Nissan-240SX-89%252d98.html)

[e1_griego]

I'll make a post on NRR to see their first-hand experience about the S15.

The only problem I have with comparing the V8 to the the turbo cars, is that the torque that the V8 creates will be instantaneous, versus a slower build up for a turbo car. Granted the car will be light, with 255 max summer tires, I don't want to take any chances.

Also, the other reason why I'm a little hesitant is the following: when making fast tight turns I'll lift the inside rear tire into the air and spin it up. When I straighten up, the tire, which is spinning fast, will contact the ground creating a spike in torque.

It sounds like I should be set, but a broken diff (output shaft, ring gear, internals, etc...) is the last thing I want to think about.

Next question, has anyone played with different axles?

It seems like the Q45 axles are my best, most economical, bet since they have the ball and cage design, and not to mention they were sized for a heavy V8 powered car.

I know the outer CV of the Q45's uses a larger spline, so I will need to sell the N/A Z32 hubs I bought.

For the inner CV, I was thinking of designing a beefy adapter plate that mates the 6x1 bolt axles to the 6x2 S15 diff output shaft.

The only thing I'm not sure of is axle lengths. The Q45 diff should be wider than S15.

Ideally I would play with the spacer widths until I could get the Q45 axles to fit correctly. it would be awesome to order a set of replacement axles thru Autozone with a lifetime warranty, versus paying big $$$ to DSS or Mazworx.


I know at least one of the v8 guys on NRR that had a helical put in a clutch type after a while, not for reliability reasons or anything -- only drivability.

To echo what Def said (and what I've been trying to say since my first reply), you have nothing to worry about in the diff itself.

[twin_vector_turbo]

Thanks guys. Any insight on my idea for the axles?

Does anyone know what the Q45 and Z32 TT, and 240SX axles lengths are?

I'm thinking that I could make an adapter plate that mates with the Q45 axles.

[Def]

Sounds good, thanks. Have you ever taken it to the drag strip though or launched aggressively with it?

Now I just need to figure out axles.

Not at a drag strip, but I've launched the car. Not that it works that well being a 4 banger with very little drivetrain inertia.

As was stated, the axles are far weaker than any component in the diff.