some guy on craigslist is selling a rx7 lsd and i was thinkin of gettin it. just wanted to know if it was worth the wait for a torsen from a miata. its the lsd unit itself with no ring and he says its still good. he wants 50 for it but i kind of have the feeling it might need to be rebuilt. anyways whats the difference between the lsd's?

i know
both can be swapped in to my na pumpkin w/out rings.
stock is clutch torsen is lockup
i think clutch locks up faster then the torsen

but how does one feel compared to the other? is there really much of a difference?
what type of driving do each benefit? i hear torsen is the way to go...

thanks

 

I personally am going for a Cusco Type-RS 2-way for road racing. It's a clutch type.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Here is how differentials works so this will give you an idea of which one you would like.

 

For most driving situations a torsen will be better, as it's smoother and has a linear lockup rate, whereas a clutch type has a definite engagement point where it suddenly gets stiffer, and this can be bad for certain driving situations and styles. Also Torsens don't wear out like a clutch type will, and the fluid doesn't degrade like a viscous lype will. The torsen will either be broken or working, whereas the clutch type may be quite loose, or even act as an open diff.

I'd go with the torsen any day of the week.