zexel-torson or auburn

**twozs** · 03-02-2009, 12:18 PM

do any experts know definitively which cars came with which. i say the Z-T was standard on the z and ss with the auburn was the optional ss performance rear (ls1 years). what about lt1 years

**Wesman** · 03-02-2009, 12:39 PM

Regardless of option package, all V8 cars had the same differentials for any given year.

The 93-98 cars had the Auburn Cone-clutch type differentials.

The 99-02 cars had the Torsen Differentials.

Hope that clears it up for you.

**twozs** · 03-02-2009, 05:26 PM

partialy. first , thanks second i remember when i was looking at my 01 i looked at the option list of ss parts and i thought i remembered a "auburn performance rear axle " option that was like 900 dollars?

**Wesman** · 03-02-2009, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by twozs

partialy. first , thanks second i remember when i was looking at my 01 i looked at the option list of ss parts and i thought i remembered a "auburn performance rear axle " option that was like 900 dollars?

Doesn't sound right...all the V8 equipped cars came with a limited slip diff standard, and there shouldn't have been an Auburn in an '01.

Was it an automatic?? Perhaps you are thinking of the option that was for the 3.23 performance axle that comes with the SS package??

**9T8W66** · 03-03-2009, 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by Wesman

Doesn't sound right...all the V8 equipped cars came with a limited slip diff standard, and there shouldn't have been an Auburn in an '01.

Was it an automatic?? Perhaps you are thinking of the option that was for the 3.23 performance axle that comes with the SS package??

He's talking about an optional Auburn differential from SLP available on SS's and Firehawks only.
SS's and Firehawks were available with several SLP extra cost options.

**Wesman** · 03-03-2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

He's talking about an optional Auburn differential from SLP available on SS's and Firehawks only.
SS's and Firehawks were available with several SLP extra cost options.

Gotcha. That must be what he's thinking of then.

**twozs** · 03-03-2009, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

He's talking about an optional Auburn differential from SLP available on SS's and Firehawks only.
SS's and Firehawks were available with several SLP extra cost options.

aya, matie. thats what i thought, so standard z28, 1le, 4bc, and the standard ss and t/a, fourmla and ws6 had the Z/T but the firehawk and the ss were possibily optioned with the auburn. NOW, what was the diffrence?

**Wesman** · 03-03-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by twozs

aya, matie. thats what i thought, so standard z28, 1le, 4bc, and the standard ss and t/a, fourmla and ws6 had the Z/T but the firehawk and the ss were possibily optioned with the auburn. NOW, what was the diffrence?

The Zexel Torsen is a "torque-biasing" differential. Meaning its constantly distributing torque between each wheel. It has helical gears in constant mesh that can bias torque depending on the traction available. However, if one wheel has no traction at all (such as on ice or off the ground) the differential cannot distribute torque to the other wheel. Helical gear differentials do not wear out like conventional differentials do, because there it no clutch material.

The Auburn diff is a cone clutch style differential. Its a limited slip, meaning if one wheel spins significantly faster than the other, the differential will distribute some of the torque to the opposite wheel. Even if one wheel has no available traction (such as on ice) it can still get the car moving by sending power to the other wheel. Since the Auburn is a clutch style limited slip, it can wear out over time, rendering it ineffective at distrituting torque.