Just installed an S15 HLSD into my S14

[anyotherone]

I read a lot of information before trying this swap, but now that it's in, I'm very pleased with my decision.

When it's all said and done, it took me and a friend about 4 1/2hrs to complete, including breaks, phone calls, a trip to the parts store for a slide hammer, and a 30min round trip to his house to use his air rachet. It would have taken half the time to do this if we had only planned ahead and made sure that we had everything we needed!

We installed this into my '98 S14 SE 5spd, that came without a VLSD or ABS.

We used the stock shims and the HLSD fit like a glove.

First impressions: I have more grip, no weird noises, I can launch my car more aggressively, and most of all, I can power out of turns a lot harder!

I chose this over the S14 or Z32 VLSD and a host of more expensive options due to price range and the functionality of a Helical/Torsen vs. Viscous, Clutch type, 1.5way, 2way, etc. etc... which you can find debated in a dozen different threads. This car is my daily driver.

I haven't tracked this car yet, and everything else is stock or as it was when I bought it, right down to the crappy Kumho 711 tires. As I continue to mod the car it will probably see some auto-x or road-racing track time and then I shall see if I made the right choice!

~Cameron

[Al_S14]

all there was taht you needed was output shafts from S15 actual diff and tahts it right/?

what did you use that slide hammer for?
and you used factory ring gear with S15 diff ?

[golfer17]

first of all, where'd u find that s15 helical diff and what is the average price they go for? also, is there any problems with used helical diffs i should look out for like with the clutch type?

[Al_S14]

ebay, look at the completed auctions ... they go for 650 ...used diff and new shafts.

[Rittmeister]

Just installed one in my S13 open-diff pumpkin as well. It pretty much rules. Install was very straightforward.

[anyotherone]

What Al_S14 said is correct... these are popping up on eBay quite a bit these days.

The install is basically drop-in.

No, you don't have to worry as much about wear with one of these as you would with a clutch-type or an old viscous that will wear out. Since a helical type is mechanical, it's just gears in there. I have no idea what the mileage is on mine, but it looks almost brand new.

[S14DB]

which ring gear did you use?

[anyotherone]

Oops... sorry, I missed some of the earlier questions.

Yes, I swapped over the factory s14 open diff ring onto the s15 hlsd unit.

The slide hamme helped us pull out the open diff "guts" with out prying it out. It was in there tight, the FSM called for one and I didn't want to screw the whole thing up using a screw driver or prybar.

Yep, everything stayed stock except for the S15 hlsd unit and output shafts. Just make sure that you have a new diff cover gasket on hand.

[Al_S14]

one last question. did you diff come with new bearings? and were they pressed on ? if everything works out for me (crossing fingers) i will have new hlsd and shafts from japan but new units dont come with those bearings on both sides so i wanted to know if they are pressed in or not. plus i think it would be nice to replace them anyway.