Gripper Differential Limited Slip Differential - Ford Fiesta ST MK7
The Gripper Metal Plate Limited Slip Differential (LSD) utilise a multi-plate design which, when it detects a difference in wheels speed across the driven axle, locks the driveshafts together increasing traction. With torque being equalised across the driven wheels, this increases traction which equates to faster launches and increased corner exit speeds!
A well proven multi-plate limited slip differential that has unique features of detail design, making it unusually progressive and extremely compact at the same time.
Gripper Differentials offer the choice of different internal set-up which consist of the ramp angles, active plates & plate thickness within the LSD. By changing the internal set-up, you are therefore changing the operational characteristics of the Gripper differential to suit the cars needs, which will result in more grip and traction where and when it is needed.
Ramp angles are set to give full locking under acceleration for maximum traction with reduced locking action on the over run, or when the car is under braking so the differential stabilises the car without unwanted understeer.
Gripper road specification differentials are built for smoother and more progressive in action, suitable for fast road and trackday use. By carefully selecting the ramp angle, setting the correct level of preload and utilising the quite plate pack, a Gripper multi plate differential can be made to be user friendly and almost silent in operation.
Gripper race specification differentials can be built up for tarmac Motorsport, drift, drag and loose surface such as gravel or forest rallying and ice racing. Gripper can set the differential up to be smooth and progressive for tarmac race formulas and faster acting for loose surfaces. Gripper can even set a differential up that operate differently on left and right hands bends for short oval races.
Once installed both understeer and oversteer characteristics are controlled and car laps are faster as a result.
Gripper Differentials have many parameters that can be adjusted for a multitude of disciplines, such as:
- Road Use - Generally set up for more lock in acceleration than deceleration to give a smooth locking action on acceleration out of corners for increased traction and cornering speed, with less locking action under braking to eliminate the chance of understeer coming into corners. Preload of 50nm is common across the road differential range to ensure the differential is active only when required, and when the differential is set with less active plates (50% is normal on the road range) the locking action on acceleration is smooth, progressive and controlled without unwanted torque-steer.
- Tarmac Circuit Use - Provides smooth progressive action so car balance is maintained throughout cornering, strong locking action on acceleration for maximum traction and exit speed, reduced locking action in deceleration for improved control under braking without the car pushing on in the corners.
- Loose Gravel Surface Rally or Ice/Snow Race Use - Limited deceleration locking action to reduce understeer and help with setting the car up early for cornering with fast locking action on corner exit to maximise traction during acceleration.
- Hillclimb/Sprint Use - Tarmac specification differential with focus on speed & strength of lock up to maximise grip without sacrificing the pointy and chuckable nature of these cars, minimising understeer in and out of corners.
- Drift Use - Tarmac set up with the focus on speed and strength of lock up to help find the maximum lateral grip required in the car to achieve and maintain the acute cornering angles required to impress in competitive drifting.
- Drag Use - Built to improve grip and traction off the line without introducing torque steer.
- Oval Racing Use - Overall preload and numbers of active plates left to right can be adjusted to produce a differential that locks and unlocks quickly, combats understeer upon turn in and gives excellent lock for maximum traction when power is applied mid corner.
When installing the Gripper Differential, it is recommended to install new differential bearings.
note: image is for illustration purposes and may differ on delivery