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Differentials Limit Slip, gear ratio discussions.

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Old 11-18-2014, 12:25 AM   #1
joe1602
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Default Need help deciding which diff to go with?

Hoping I can get a little info on the differences between the 318 3.45 and 4.44 LSD's. I have tried the search but have not come up with much. I run in GS and will be moving to HS in SCCA auto cross next year and am looking for a stock diff. Is the 4.44 better set up for autocross and is it legal for me to run that diff, even though its for an automatic and not a 5 speed. Does the 4.44 bolt right in or are modifications needed? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Old 11-18-2014, 12:55 AM   #2
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A 4.44 won't be legal for HS. It will bolt in as long as the the driveshaft is the same bolt pattern as the manuals, which should be the case. Plug in the ratios into a gear ratio calculator and find out the top speeds of each gear. I don't know if it is better, but with the 3.45 it's pretty poor topping out before 60 mph.
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Old 11-18-2014, 02:39 AM   #3
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So would a 3.45 out of a 95 be legal then? Has anyone put a 4.44 in with the 5 speed? How does it work & what rpm would you be turning in 5th gear?
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Old 11-18-2014, 04:47 AM   #4
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All 318's used a 3.45 rear differential ratio for the manual transmission.

Again, plug the ratios into a gear ratio calculator and you'll easily find the engine speed in each gear. There is even a BMW specific one that gives you the ratios of the 318ti. I just calculated that the top of 3rd is 65mph with a stock rev limiter. It could be an advantage on open courses compared to topping 2nd at 55mph with the 3.45 ratio.

I don't know what class it puts you in as I've never even thought about changing ratios.
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Old 11-18-2014, 04:11 PM   #5
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Most of our courses are very small and tight. I also have to use the car to get to and from the events as well as a DD at times. I am thinking if it were only used as an autocross car, the 4.44 would be OK. I am thinking the 3.45 would be better all around. Does anyone know for sure if the 3.45 LSD out of a 95 would be legal in street class in a 99?
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Old 11-18-2014, 04:15 PM   #6
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http://www.scca.com/solo/content.cfm?cid=44517
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Old 11-18-2014, 04:27 PM   #7
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Yeah, I have checked that and it seems a little contradictory at times. One part says only options for that model year, another part says you can add or take off parts to make it a different option package offered from the factory. Some people that I ask say yes, others say no.
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Old 11-18-2014, 04:35 PM   #8
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Update/backdate like you said.
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