LSD swaps

[xcusememisswyn]

I have read in a few places that u can swap differentials out of 300zx and some other cars into a 240sx... i was wondering what cars i would be able to find a good, solid LSD that would fit under my 240sx... are there any good websites about what can be used or any good tips you guys have... has anyone here done a swap like this? Im looking for something i could find on ebay or the junkyard for minimal budget...1996 240sx


also... how much work would it take, and any other parts, to get the new differential on? anyone have a clue?
thanks in advance

[SilviaStud]

There are many different Diffs you can use. I would have to refresh my self since I haven't looked in a bit, but I know the JDM 240 LSD will fit, the Q45 will as well if I remember right. I actually saw something last night someone selling R33 rear diff for 240's. Dunno if that's true or not. But for something stock from another car look to spend around 400, anything aftermarket upwards of 700 or so.

[NiSmO_zt]

just to check, since you have a 96, do you have an SE model? and abs? because if you do, you'd probably already have a vlsd. just checking, to see if you could save money, im not trying to insult your intelligence.

[SilviaStud]

Here is the info I found on 240sx.org maybe this well help as well... It had been a while since I have read up on stock LSDs


There is a lot of talk about what year and options a 240 has to have to be equipped with an LSD. From what I've heard SE's with ABS, HICAS, or S14 5 lug SE's w/ ABS all should have the LSD. Canadian 240's also have VLSD (all of them). The easiest way to check is that the LSD will have an orange sticker above the fill hole that identifies it as an LSD. Also if you turn one side the other should turn the same direction. You'll also notice that the LSD is harder to spin by hand than the open differential. If your like me you can't find a 240 in a scrap yard anyplace with an LSD in it, so you have to improvise.......... here comes the fun part. The R200V (VLSD) differential is used in the Infiniti J30, and Z32 300zx. The Infiniti one has an ABS sensor at the front which adds about an inch to the length of it. The flanges for the halfshafts (the shafts that go to the wheels) are the same pattern for the 95 and up J30's (pre '95 used a different pattern at least on the ones I saw in the yard) Also if you own an S13 (89-94) you will need to get a new differential cover gasket and swap the rear cover off your R200 (stock diff) onto the new one. The S13's used a different bolt pattern (4 bolts) than the S14 (2 bolts). The 90+ 300zx one also fits but takes more work. First thing DO NOT get the twin turbo diff, it's got different gear ratio's in it and it will really slow your car down (3.86) The NON turbo has the same ratio as the 240 (4.06). The 300sx also uses the 2 bolt rear cover so if you own an S13 you'll need to switch it. The biggest problem with the 300zx is that the output flanges are different. The look like a '5 star' flange where the 240sx uses 3 sets of 2. The parts to convert a 300 to a 240 can be had for around 200-300 new. I got mine at a scrap yard for 150.

The M30 and Q45 diff's also work with the same basic modifications I mentioned earlier. The big thing to look for is the flanges, they need to be the 3 sets of 2 or you will have to replace them.

I have heard rumors that the J30 differential requires you to shorten the driveshaft by an inch due to the position of the ABS sensor but my buddy hasn't had any problems with his when he installed it in an S14. It's only been on for 2 weeks and the fit is tight but it works.

The install is pretty straightforward, just unbolt the stock diff and then stick the new one in. The hard part is getting the new diff up and in place so you can bolt it on (these things are HEAVY). I needed another guy to help me and 2 jacks to get the thing where I wanted it. Care must be taken when tightening it down that it's level when you start tightening so that you don't' crack the cover. I hung it in the back by sticking the studs on the cover through their holes and then lining up the bolts in the front and tightening them down then I put the nuts on the rear. After that put on the 6 bolts on each side that holds the flanges to the driveshaft. Finally bolt the driveshaft to the differential.

[D-Bo]

so you're saying all canadian 240s have vlsd's.. thats very interesting.. atleast i know i have one now.. although i was pretty sure i had one when i was spinning both tires the day i got my car.. (getting new rubber in march)

[SilviaStud]

Not that I am saying that. This is info I found personally when I had the same question myself.

[D-Bo]

thats cool.. i know i have one anyways so no biggie.. ps i sent you an email about a fsm

[SilviaStud]

Give me a sec and I'll mail it right over.

[sRscooby]

canadian 240's don't all have LSD's, i know mine doesn't

dunno who started that myth lol

[xcusememisswyn]

mine is an SE but it doesnt have ABS, and on the first day i knew it didnt have one... i am gonna call up some junkyards and look around for some 300zx's or that infiniti, hopefully get lucky and find one for cheap... or even luckier and find just a 240 with one so i dont have to worry about fitting it as much...


thanks for the help

[D-Bo]

my 240 has auto windows, locks, mirrors, hicas, abs.. pretty much everything but leather but i don't even think leather was an option for the s13.. and both my back tires always spin so i know i have an lsd.. i think models without hicas don't have an lsd, neither do ones without abs..
srscooby, where are you in canada?

[logik23]

He's in Winnipeg.

[S13wanabe]

If you are planning on drifting you should just save the money and get an aftermarket clutch type LSD. The stock ones are usually not very good, and usually need to be rebuilt by the time or miles you get a used one at. If you don't care too much about drifting then you are going about it the right way. The only down side to get a clutch type LSD is that you will need to overhaul it about once a year.

[logik23]

What about a helical type? I think the Quaifes are helical. Do you need to overhaul them so often? And are they any good?

[S13wanabe]

They are great for track racing, but not for drifting. They don't need to be overhauled nearly aas often. I think you can go like 100,000 miles on them. The difference is that a clutch type will virtually lock the rear end so the wheels spin together at the same speed. The helical will transfer more power to the wheel that is getting traction. If one wheel spins more power is sent to the other wheel. You can see how this might be detrimental in a drift. Most drifters use clutch type and most racers use mechanical (or helical).