How to Install a Limited Slip Differential in a Transaxle

You can have all of the power in the world, but if it can’t get to the ground, it is useless. With my N14 engine now built and back from the machine shop, it is ready to put down some serious power. The one problem that these MINIs come with from the manufacturer is that they have an eLSD. It is a way of modulating the brakes while accelerating to reduce wheel spin from side to side.

When you’re making stock power and your car doesn’t see laps at the track, this eLSD works. If you plan on tracking your high horsepower MINI, it becomes a problem. If you perform a launch or a hard pull and one wheel wants to spin, you will be gaining speed and increasing brake temperatures as the brakes will be modulating from side to side to maintain traction. Now when you want to slow down because there is a turn up ahead, your brakes are already hot from when you were accelerating, which means your brakes don’t ever get time to cool down. By replacing the Differential in this application from an Open, to Helical / Clutch style, you will not only get better traction as there is no computing or brakes needing to be pulse, but the brakes will not get as hot during hard acceleration. For that reason, I opted for a Wavetrac differential.

I opted for the Wavetrac differential for multiple reasons. Not only is the diff made from a billet casing and held together by ARP bolts, but the differential is maintenance free. Because it is purely mechanical (gears), there are no clutches that need replacing, which makes it a set and forget part. Even though those are incredible features for the price point, it also comes with a transferable LIFETIME warranty. I’m really excited to put this diff to the test.

As for the fluids, you use the OEM specification transmission fluid since there are no clutches in this differential. If you would like a fluid that is more capable and able to withstand higher temperatures and abuse, you can opt for a high-performance synthetic Ester Oil from Motul, or a Race fluid from Motul as well. I will address all of the fluids I will be putting in the MINI when time comes to it.

You can find the products that were featured in this video below by clicking on the sponsored links below. By purchasing items below, it helps the channel operate and bring your more awesome content to you guys! Thank you for the support ❤️


///// PRODUCTS FOUND IN VIDEO \\\\\
Wavetrac (Helical Style) Differential ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2AQqptv
OS Giken (Clutch Style) Differential ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2ATmOdY
Differential Bearings (2) ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2HdlAQq
Axle Seal (2) ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2Fzk9u6
ARP Differential Bolts (2) ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2CpRHqw
ARP Transmission Casing Bolts (4) ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2MgiQRh
ARP Gear Selector Bolts (1) ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2W05WeL
ARP Main & Counter Shaft Cover Bolts (2) ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2FExmAZ
Mishimoto Magnetic Transmission Drain Plug ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2MfL7aA
Replacement Drain/Fill Bolt ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2SZVQZo
MINI Transmission Fluid ▶︎ http://bit.ly/2CoFHFI
Motul Street 300 75W90 Synthetic ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2ANiWLC
Motul Race 75W140 Synthetic ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2QTU0Hx


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///// TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS \\\\\
Differential Ring Gear Bolts (10) @ 47 ft. lbs w/ red thread locker
Transmission Case Bolts (20) @ 24 ft. lbs
Gear Selector Bolts (4) @ 24 ft. lbs
Main & Counter Shaft Cover Bolts (9) @ 24 ft. lbs
Fill & Drain Plug (1 & 1) @ 32 ft. lbs w/ aluminum crush washer


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YouTube Channel ▶︎    / milanmastracci  
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If you have any additional questions, feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. Be sure to tag me on instagram @milmast with your projects. Thank you so much for watching!!