A Fiat Abarth is a car that packs a whole lot of power in a small frame. It’s a vehicle that truly embraces the spirit of performance, and for that reason, it is beloved by car enthusiasts. However, if you’ve ever found yourself on a forum discussing the performance of a Fiat Abarth, you’ll often find the topic of LSD, or Limited Slip Differential, appear. The LSD is an upgrade that can significantly improve handling, traction, and torque delivery on your front-wheel-drive Abarth.
In this article, you’ll learn what a LSD is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can install it on your Fiat Abarth. So, buckle up and prepare for an in-depth dive into the world of automotive performance upgrades.
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Understanding the Mechanics: LSD, Traction, and Differential
First things first, it’s essential to comprehend what a LSD (Limited Slip Differential) is and why it can be a game-changer for your Fiat Abarth. In layman’s terms, a LSD is a type of differential that improves your car’s traction by distributing the power evenly across both wheels.
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Where a standard, or "open," differential will deliver power to the wheel with the least amount of resistance, a limited slip differential, on the other hand, ensures that power is more evenly distributed between the two front wheels. This can be particularly useful in situations where one wheel may lose grip or slip, such as on a wet or icy road.
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You may have noticed that when you accelerate your Abarth aggressively, particularly around a tight corner, your inside wheel, which is lighter due to load transfer, may lose traction and spin. This phenomenon is known as ‘torque steer’ and is common in powerful front-wheel-drive cars. A LSD can help mitigate this issue by maintaining torque to the other wheel to ensure a smooth, controlled drive.
The Benefits of LSD for Your Fiat Abarth
So why should you, as an Abarth owner, consider installing a LSD? There are several key reasons. Firstly, the improved traction offered by a LSD means that your Abarth will have a better grip on the road. This means that you can push your car harder and faster without worrying about the wheels slipping.
Secondly, a LSD helps to improve the handling of your car. With power evenly distributed across both front wheels, your Abarth will respond more predictably to steering inputs, especially during high-speed cornering. This can make the driving experience more enjoyable and give you increased confidence behind the wheel.
Lastly, a LSD can improve your car’s overall performance. By reducing wheel slip and improving traction, a LSD can help your Abarth accelerate more efficiently and maintain higher speeds through corners. This can shave valuable seconds off your lap times if you take your car to the track.
Choosing the Right LSD for Your Fiat Abarth
The LSD market is quite diverse, with several options available. When choosing the right LSD for your Abarth, it’s crucial to consider your driving style and what you primarily use your car for. Do you often find yourself on a race track, or do you use your Abarth for daily commuting?
There are essentially three types of LSDs: clutch-type, gear-type, and viscous. Clutch-type LSDs are ideal for aggressive drivers who frequent the racetrack, while gear-type LSDs are better for street driving due to their smoother operation. Viscous LSDs, on the other hand, are rare and not very popular due to their inconsistent performance.
Installing a LSD in Your Fiat Abarth: A Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re accustomed to doing your own car maintenance and have a decent set of tools, installing a LSD in your Fiat Abarth is definitely achievable. However, be aware that it’s a complex job and requires a degree of mechanical skill.
First, you’ll need to remove the front wheels and axles to gain access to the differential. Following this, you’ll have to drain the transmission fluid and remove the transmission to access the open differential.
Once the old differential is out, you can install the LSD. Make sure to use new bearings and seals and to preload the bearings correctly according to the LSD manufacturer’s specifications. Once the LSD is installed, you can refit the transmission, refill the transmission fluid, and reattach the axles and wheels.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you’re unsure about any step of the process or don’t have the right tools, it’s best to entrust this job to a professional. The cost of a mistake could be much higher than the cost of paying a professional to do the job right.
Remember, the key to enjoying your Fiat Abarth to the fullest is to understand its mechanics and to make upgrades that suit your driving style. A LSD can greatly enhance your car’s performance and give you a more enjoyable, controlled driving experience. So, if you’re a Fiat Abarth owner looking to get more out of your car, a limited slip differential might just be the upgrade you need.
Making Your Selection: Quaife ATB Limited Slip Differential
When looking to upgrade your Fiat Abarth with an LSD, the Quaife ATB Limited Slip Differential is an excellent choice. It is a type of gear-type LSD, known for its smooth operation, making it a suitable choice for both street driving and occasional track use. It’s worth noting that Quaife ATB (Automatic Torque Biasing) differentials are renowned for their quality and performance.
The Quaife ATB works by biasing torque away from the wheel that loses grip to the wheel with more grip. This technology significantly improves traction control and corner exit speed, especially when one wheel loses grip due to load transfer during cornering or aggressive acceleration. The Quaife ATB does not lock completely, preventing the characteristic understeer of a traditional locking differential.
Moreover, the Quaife ATB differential is a direct replacement for the standard open differential in the Fiat Abarth. This means you won’t need any additional parts to fit it into your car. Furthermore, the Quaife ATB differential comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured about its quality and durability.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Drive with a Limited Slip Differential
The Fiat Abarth is a car that’s celebrated for its performance. However, installing a Limited Slip Differential can unlock even more potential, improving handling, traction, and acceleration. An LSD, like the Quaife ATB, can distribute power evenly between the front wheels, mitigating the issue of ‘torque steer’ and enhancing grip, particularly in challenging driving conditions.
Remember, the installation process requires a fair bit of mechanical skill, and if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to trust a professional to carry out this upgrade. The wrong installation could potentially damage your car, and the cost of rectification might turn out to be higher than having it professionally installed in the first place.
The total cost for installing an LSD in your Fiat Abarth, including the cost of the LSD itself and professional installation, can vary greatly but expect to budget between $1500 and $2500. Additionally, after installing a LSD, it’s recommended to take your Abarth for a wheel alignment to ensure optimal performance.
Ultimately, the decision to install a Limited Slip Differential in your Fiat Abarth should be guided by your driving style and how you use your car. If you’re a spirited driver who enjoys pushing your Abarth to its limits, the addition of a LSD might be the performance upgrade you’ve been looking for. After all, the goal is to maximize your enjoyment behind the wheel and get the most out of your Fiat Abarth.