Daily driver - value of the limited slip diff?

[GLLinMO]

Hello All ----

First post, been lurking for a while. Anyways - in the market for a new daily driver. Looking for a car that's fun, room enough for two, and a value. Will be replacing a Mazda3 hatch - so the bar is kinda high. I put a lot of miles on my car, so it makes sense to not spend any more than I have to, else depreciation for the high miles kills me.

Seems to be a buyers market for the remaining 2015 Camaros. And truth be told - the base LS models fit my specs perfectly. Only real decision is stick vs auto. Mazda3 is a manual - as have been my last several cars. At this point, I can go either way. But the auto box does no come with the posi rear end - just the manual. Not sure I would want a rear drive car without it if I can help it. Yeah, the auto has traction control - but my experiences with TC are that it's pretty worthless when you need it. Not looking for a snow buggy - I have a 4x4 truck if needed. Just looking for what works the best.

Thanks all for any thoughts.

Gary

[snymat68]

I have a '13 1LS (manual V6) that I drive year round. The locking diff. has come in handy more than once in the snow (Blizzaks or other good snow tires are a must in the snow). Can't say that I've really noticed a difference having it in the summer, other than being able to do 2-wheel burnouts. Maybe it's come in handy pulling out in a hurry where there's been gravel on the road. Not sure. It's one of those things that you don't notice until you don't have it. However, rear end aside, I'd recommend the manual just for the fun of driving it!

[Mityguy]

Originally Posted by Comrando

Most cars have open differentials, it's safer for the masses because when cornering the car is not likely to go sideways with only one wheel spinning. When both rear tires loose traction the car will snap around. Which is especially likely in slippery conditions.

Apparently the engineers don't feel the need for the automatic V6 Camaro to have a limited slip differential. Maybe the research indicates most non-enthusiasts will buy the automatic.

I didn't know that, thats really odd they didn't give the auto-drivers the perk.

[gajagfan]

Any spirited, fun driving will require a limited slip differential vs. an open rear end. It is just that simple! If not, cornering under power will spin the inside wheel and ruin the moment!

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by Mityguy

I didn't know that, thats really odd they didn't give the auto-drivers the perk.

SS with automatic does seem to get the limited slip diff.

Maybe what Chevy really thinks is that there aren't going to be enough V6 automatics making runs at the local drag strip or taking in autocrosses and track days to make it worth even offering as an option there.


OP - if you're as accustomed to driving a manual transmission car as your opening post claims, I don't see where the non-availability of posi with the sixxer matters at all.


Norm

[GLLinMO]

The current generation of auto boxes provide much better overall performance than the slush boxes of yore. Once can argue - for a daily driver - auto trans might make more sense. At times I like driving the wife's Accord (V6 auto...Heavy sigh).

Also - currently very dealers in the area have manual V6's. Most are auto.

Manual does mean that my wife won't drive the car much..... She can drive a stick, but would prefer not to....

Love to have an SS - but it doesn't fit the current mission.

[JantzenOKC]

I spin both tires on my open diff. Even through corners. I don't think I've ever had one tire fire. I think it has to do with the IRS, every other car I've had with open diffs would spin one tire but all were solid axle. I still want an SS rear end but just for strength not so I can spin both tires.

[rwi2112]

I wish I hadn't even read this tread I didn't even know my little 6 banger didn't have limited slip diff. I did roll through the water once in the drags, turned off both nannies and letter rip. Guess I was only rippin 1 wheel. Wife forgot to record that one so I don't know for sure. Well something else to add to my list. I'm gonna have so much in this thing that I could have bought the V8

[DP Valentino]

Originally Posted by JantzenOKC

I spin both tires on my open diff. Even through corners. I don't think I've ever had one tire fire. I think it has to do with the IRS, every other car I've had with open diffs would spin one tire but all were solid axle. I still want an SS rear end but just for strength not so I can spin both tires.

[LStick]

I've owned both auto (2013) and stick (2014) versions of the LS.

Personally, the stick is a lot more fun.

[Tajefe Couple]

Jantzen I get the same reaction out of my 2:92 open diff. Really made me wonder so I crawled under and checked. The tag read 2:92 open. I had plenty of LSD'S and it acts just like one. I defiantly have no trouble with burnouts or figure eights and the open diff.
I think people are confusing a LSD diff and a posi. The LSD in the past has always been set to take corners without both tires getting the same power. It still puts power to both tires just not equally all the time. Otherwise the back tires would squeal no matter how fast you corner. A posi is just solid all the time makes cornering harder and more difficult on the vehicle because its set to give both tires power all the time. Great for drag racing. At least that's how I've always understood. I did just order a rear diff, axles and hubs from LMQ W/1yr warranty for $450. Couldn't pass on this mod at that price.

[Tajefe Couple]

If you want to know all about your 2LS check out the link thanks to 911medic.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307690

[Tajefe Couple]

Originally Posted by rwi2112

I wish I hadn't even read this tread I didn't even know my little 6 banger didn't have limited slip diff. I did roll through the water once in the drags, turned off both nannies and letter rip. Guess I was only rippin 1 wheel. Wife forgot to record that one so I don't know for sure. Well something else to add to my list. I'm gonna have so much in this thing that I could have bought the V8

You have the LT that should come with the lsd and 3:27. Same as the SS setup. It was only the 2LS with the 2:92 open diff. I was told they did it to be able to claim 30+mpg to compete with the mustangs. I bet the new 2016 6cyl has a lsd since there is a 2.0 turbo option to compete with the mustangs 4cyl..

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by tajefe

I think people are confusing a LSD diff and a posi. The LSD in the past has always been set to take corners without both tires getting the same power. It still puts power to both tires just not equally all the time. Otherwise the back tires would squeal no matter how fast you corner. A posi is just solid all the time makes cornering harder and more difficult on the vehicle because its set to give both tires power all the time. Great for drag racing. At least that's how I've always understood. I did just order a rear diff, axles and hubs from LMQ W/1yr warranty for $450. Couldn't pass on this mod at that price.

I think you're confusing a limited slip diff with a locking diff or spool. A posi (short for Positraction) is just a GM-specific brand/design of LSD and is absolutely is not a spool or some kind of locker.

Your confusion has probably been caused in part by erroneous use of the term 'posi' to mean any kind of differential that isn't 'open' with no means of transferring torque to the wheel that still has grip.


Norm