uhh....it's mechanical, not computer based.

 

I wish it was the case, however clutch-pack LSD's on a front-drive car do not improve steering response or reduce torque steer. I've driven an open diff R56 back to back with a factory clutch-pack LSD R56; the open diff has less torque steer and has more precise steering feel.

On the racetrack, the factory LSD will trounce the open diff in the corners. In this situation, you don't care about subtle feel nuances and torque steer, just lap times.

 

Thanks Ryan, but that's exactly what I was implying, torque steer is worse with the LSD verses open diff. I would really like to compare the two sometime with the same suspension set up, as I find the torque steer on mine to be pretty unmanageable at times. I can hardly take one hand off the wheel to shift!

 

IS there any way of giving the dealer your vin number and having them look to see if your car is equipped via listed in their computer as an option?

 

I recommend just going into the Mini Owner's Lounge and inputing your VIN there. Then other track your baby, there's a 'review your order' section. It'll tell you whether or not you had the LSD option.

 

Could you call the prior owner and get some paperwork on the car, or find out the dealer that sold it originally and ask them?

I don't know if this will work, but it might be worth a try.

 

There's no bouncing though. It just sits steady at 6500... does that mean I have AWD?

 

So, my car does have cruise control! (places brick on throttle)

 

Maybe they could make one for MINI: http://www.arbusa.com/air_locker.php

whoa! can't steer ahhhhhhhhh! GUARD RAIL

 

If you see Lucy in the sky with diamonds, then you have LSD.

 

Ha. The no bouncing is quite a weird thing to experience Crazy computer stuffed mini.

 

so, ima get a new mini, should i get LSD or no LSD. for daily driving and maybe some small autocrossing?

 

well if you plan to do some autocrossing, that will turn into a lot So, yeah it would be good to have for that. For the daily driving its probably not worth the money, but once you turn off that traction control its great to have. I bought a lightly optioned one off the lot that doesn't have it and with all the torque it would be very useful to have. It so easy to light up one side on an exit, but without it im forced to drive really smooth so its probably been good for me

 

i just dont like to have increased torque steer, and less feel for the road. hm my first thought was getting it. i guess ill stick with getting it!

 

Many here are probably too young to know what that means.

 

Never too young for the Fab Four!

 

C'mon guys, just let it be.

 

Ahhh, you're speaking words of wisdom.

 

Remember the first weekend in May we'll be on that "Long and Winding Road"

 

I've done it before (just not with a mini but it shouldn't be any different): with an LSD opposite wheel spins in same direction. Open diff: opposite direction.

 

My M coupe has LSD but the wheels spin in opposite direction. There was some great debate as to if the cars actually came with an LSD or not, which was put to rest when someone sent his to metric mechanics to get the clutch pack lock up value increased. Apparently this test is not the end all and depends on the type of LSD.

 

Look for the girl with the sun in her eyes.

 

And some are too old.

 

All you have to do is carefully jack one of the front wheels using a floor jack that has wheels on it. Just lift one of the wheels enough to clear the ground. Get in the car, start it up, and put it in first gear. Slowly let off the clutch or put it in drive like your getting ready to go forward. The one wheel on the ground should pull the car forward if you have LSD. If the wheel that's in the air spins and the car doesn't move then no LSD for you!

 

That sounds rather dangerous.