Best LSD for Street Use: Helical vs Clutch-Type LSD
Helical or clutch type? The two main kinds of limited slip diff behave very differently on the road. Here is how to pick the right one for a street car.
A limited slip diff is the single biggest traction upgrade you can make to a rear wheel drive car, but the type matters. For a car that spends most of its life on the road, the choice usually comes down to a helical unit or a clutch type.
Helical LSDs
Helical units like the Wavetrac use gears rather than clutches, so there is nothing to wear out and nothing to service. They are quiet, smooth and work with normal diff oil, which makes them our first pick for most street cars.
Clutch type LSDs
Clutch packs give a more aggressive lock up and can be tuned, which is great on the track. On the street they can chatter on tight turns and they need friction modifier in the oil. If you want a car for weekend motorsport as well, this is the trade off to think about.
