Martin347 wrote:MillRat wrote:A question; the "percentage lock" is not an accurate method to describe the amount of resistance as "percentage lock" relates to the engine power/torque. Therefore, isn't stating the breakaway torque a better measurement?
I ask this because as I understand it, 70% lock equals a breakaway torque of something like 120 ft lbf (160 Nm) and is thus 70 percent of the engine torque (160-170 ft lbf or 220-230Nm for a standard 325i). If I was to build a much more torquey M20 (or use another more torquey motor), the "percentage lock" becomes some smaller number (depending on the torque of the new engine that is). One would then think that the 2 LSD's are different as the % lock values would be different, when in fact they are exactly the same LSD. Therefore, to accurately compare one LSD to another, the breakaway torque should be stated instead.
As I said above, this is my understanding.
Interesting post. I have never heard of the % lock being worked out like this before. Its a shame the post hasn't been answered. I have allways wondered exactly how it is measured, preload is simple but % lock is more tricky.
Breakway torque has so many data variables:- tyre compound, road surface, suspension geometry, weather conditions, mechanical downforce etc, it is not common unit of measure.
To accurately compare clutch style LSD'd you generally do so by the minimum torque value required to reach maximum lock for the ramp angles installed. Some also like to know the preload torque (the tiny amount of coupling of both outputs without any input torque).
Then theres the torque values for the three conditional states of the mechanism depending on input and their relative response curves.
1. On power - Accelerating
2. Coasting - Constant speed/out of gear
3. Over run - Liftoff
HTH
Andrew