I have a '96 rear in my '90.
From my understanding, it's a Torsen type II.

It's a weaker (waffle-clutch type) type of a torque-sensing diff, not that it matters, because the question is of a different nature.

Twice this month I spun while taking a left-hander in the rain, using a wet worn Korean rubber (no, not a condom, but the over-heat-cycled RS-2's with plenty of thread left, and only 1 year on them)

While first time was entertaining, second time netted me a meeting with a curb (right rear impact), a broken wheel, bent LCA long bolt, and damaged wheel bearing.

In the process of repairing the damage, I separated the CV joint, and, forgetting my troubles for the night, went to move the car to the opposite side of the street.

Here where it gets interesting
The car would not move with the right rear axle disconnected.
Now, it is my understanding that Torsen diff supplies the power to the left wheel if the right one is spinning, right?

So, with the two left-hander spins, and car not moving with RR axle disconnected (but, yes, the wheel WAS attached), is my Torsen working, or is it just pretending, and am I better off finding an RX-7 unit (clutch)?

Thanks!

 

if one wheel looses traction, the other wont spin.

 

Thats the way torsens behave. I have expirienced this on the track where one rear wheel comes up and all the power goes to it. As long as there is some resistance, it works as a limited slip, but with none it acts like an open.

 

As the name applies, there needs to be some load on both sides for the torsen to work properly.

 

...and stop hitting curbs.

 

Funny you mention that about the RS-II's. I have the same trouble on my GTI 195-50-15's. They were super sticky at first, now they are not that great.

 

Thanks much, Brainy!


VW, that's my I'm swapping for R888 as my daily.



Follow-up.
Would you guys recommend RX-7 swap?
Most of my driving is on the track as of lately (and street; it's still my DD), and, if I ever get to autox, I always treat it as a mini-track (or, track prep).

And, if RX-7, is here the best source of all things swap?

Thanks again!