traction system alterations

[Bushy]

has anyone done this, if so what does it entail?

I notice from someones profile they list it as a modification

[Riz_RS4]

I think it might be a heldex controller which allows 2wd, 4wd, 50:50 split etc? or maybe 40:50?
Forge motorsport do these for the S3 i think, not sure though. [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[Bushy]

not available on the torsen diff in an RS4 though mate

[wazza]

Discussed in the Rolling Road day thread.
See here [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[sam3027]

Bushy, that would be me with the traction system alterations! I didn't use the parts that were mentioned. I literally went to GEOTEC and got them to build me a new variable system. They're an American company who specialise in traction control units and that sort of thing. For a fee they can even build you a system that cuts out the fuel and sparking circuits to reduce power SERIOUSLY accurately. The F1 boys have that! But for me I just just had a kit such as you would find in a World Rally Car. It's a variable central diff that varies the power between the front and rear wheels, but uses all the standard kit other than that. I literally have a knob under the dash that manually varies the percentage powre to the front and rear wheels. Good fun.

Tio

[dog]

Why wold you want a fixed ratio? Don't you want the power shift as you loose control?

[Bushy]

thanks for your answer, and how much money did this cost?

As Dog says surely the standard system has the right idea shifting power, I admit the ESP is an interferring piece of electronics but is OK for use in the wet

Also assuming this wasnt the cheapest of items would you have not been better spending the money on a turbo upgrade?

[sam3027]

The unit shifts in probably about half a second tops. I've not got it really for limiting slip and all that, and you're right ESP is pretty good at keeping the car on the straight and narrow, but that's just the point. With a little bit more biass to the rear it's all good fun. So long as you keep a reasonable amount to the front then it's controllable, as power at the front allows the steering to work even when in a full on slide. This was quite expensive, ending up at a little over £3k, but I thought it was WELL worth it, cos all of this understeering lark was REALLY starting to get on my tits!

Tio

[dog]

Would you get the same result with use of the handbrake in the turns too?

[sam3027]

You'd get a similar result, but you'd get nasty flatspots in your rear tyres, which causes BIG vibrations at speed if they get bad, and it nackers the handbrake too, not to mention REALLY pissing off the Quattro drivetrain. I never like using the handbrake in a 4wd car. I know there are gizmos in the transmission that normally figure it out, but I've ripped apart a full transmission before and it's not pretty. Besides, using the handbrake is just cheating! A nice gentle, controllable, powered drift feels SO much better, not to mention looking SWISH! Style is everything.
Tio