Quaife, pros and cons. + Quaife vs Wavetec

[90quattrocoupe]

I need to be educated on the pros and cons, of using a Quaife in a FWD MKV VW. If anyone has experience with this, let me know.

Quaife vs. Wavetec. What is the difference? Aren't they both torson type diffs?

Greg W.

[speeding-g60]

i have a Quaife in my MK3 VW GTI. i ran a Peloquin in my drag rabbit. and i have a Wavetrac in the CQ racecar.

i have always heard lift a tire on the Quaife and you lose all traction but never firsthand experiencing this. i always had good luck with the Peloquin, its made in the USA and lifetime warranty. Gary is a really nice guy to deal with, too. and the Wavetrac works great in the race car.

[Hank]

wavetrac is nice for the "locking" feature when a tire is lifted. in any other situations, it is a tuneable torsen like the other options you listed.

[90quattrocoupe]

Thanks Aaron and Hank.

So Aaron, when you drive the MKIII, how does it handle, in the twisties?

I have heard that Quaifes and Wavetecs in FWD, sometimes create problems, with smoothness in corners. Basically, because the difference in the rotation of the inner vs the outer tires. How do the gears in the two diffs handles this unequal rotation of the tires? Does it bind up, creating a problem with trying to accelerate out of a corner, at the same time?

I like the idea, that when you have a lifted tire, the opposite tire does not go dead. Hank, how are these torsons, adjustable?

Greg W.

[themagellan]

I have driven on all and I prefer the Peloquin substantially. It is easy to install (relatively speaking) and with an OK set of tires it is really nice for breaking some traction to get the chasis to rotate.

With a FWD car it is A LOT different driving with a diff, you really need to get a large sway bar in the rear and get the rear nice and stiff. This will allow the fronts to grip and allow the rear end to have a lot more give in terms of grip. I really do miss hitting an offramp with pretty insane sustained speed in FWD.

Another option that I almost prefer more for daily duty is the Bolt Kit - It is a lot less harsh and MUCH easier to install. Plus I think they're on 100$ wouldn't hurt to start with this (Since you should REALLY replace those rivets on the 020.

Also if we are talking about an 020 - make sure you try to get a close ratio "4k" trans with a tdi 5th, they are by far the best best best 020's made. 02j/o2a are a bit different (if that is what you are talking about)

[Hank]

They are adjustable with different shims, just like they are in Quattro Torsen apps. You can adjust bias, not lockup.

[alxdgr8]

Are there any clutch type options? I know all the RWD 944 track guys like Guards LSD's (stock LSD is clutch too in the 016 944 trans and early 01E 968 trans; later 968 01E's had a torsen LSD). With the clutch you get LSD action under braking too which increases stability, whereas Torsen only provides action under acceleration. FWD would be different though, since it's not the rear wheels dragging.

[90quattrocoupe]

Another option that I almost prefer more for daily duty is the Bolt Kit - It is a lot less harsh and MUCH easier to install. Plus I think they're on 100$ wouldn't hurt to start with this (Since you should REALLY replace those rivets on the 020.

Also if we are talking about an 020 - make sure you try to get a close ratio "4k" trans with a tdi 5th, they are by far the best best best 020's made. 02j/o2a are a bit different (if that is what you are talking about)

It is a late, 2010 MKV TDI, so it is an 02Q, trans. The rivets will be removed, and arp bolts/nuts installed, since I have to change the ring gear over to whatever Diff I use.

Thank you,
Greg W.

[themagellan]

Very cool - I would absolutely side with Quaife in an 02Q.

Also did you own a fox at one point? your name is really really familiar... if so I am happy on the darker side

[speeding-g60]

Greg, i reaaaaaally like driving that car. i got it with the Quaife, but i think if i were buying the diff i would get the Peloquin, honestly.

its got all the bars. Autotech upper front/rear strut bars. Bilstein PSS-9's. Autotech sway bars (i have a set of the biggest baddest bars Neuspeed makes for it but no time to put them on). TT two piston brakes. handles like its on rails. banged out a few 150+ bursts in the desert around that area where the beef farms are where the highway takes the turn....

last time i drove it to LA to visit family.

978 miles in 11:17 (woulda been faster if it wasnt raining from Salem to Redding )

in 5 days, i drove it almost 2500 miles. the trip computer told me my ignition was on for just over 40 hours. avg fuel mpg as around 24 and my avg mph, including all the LA traffic, the jaunt over to Vegas up and down the strip (wifeys first time) then down to SD, and back to Brea, around towns to Disney, etc, then back home. i went an avg MPH of 65!!!!! Vortech Supercharged VR6 GTI.

i absolutely loves the way it handles. its no Quattro, but it makes me smile one of the oddest feelings was pushing an outside lane on a merging 270 degree cornered onramp passing whatever is on the inside, and the ass end stepping out a little. its freaky at first, but give it some gas and it snaps right in line and GOES. and mountain curvies and twisties. yes, i like it a lot.

[90quattrocoupe]

Very cool - I would absolutely side with Quaife in an 02Q.

Also did you own a fox at one point? your name is really really familiar... if so I am happy on the darker side

Yes, I have a Fox wagon. It is sort of a long term project. Haven't done a lot to it. Had a Fox beater for my kid when he was going through some problems with his MKII GLI. It was cheaper than having to get the occasion rental. Sold it when he sold the MKII. You use the same name on the Vortex VW forum.


Aaron, thanks for the insight. Very nice looking MKIII. Seems that you also enjoy it.

Thanks to everyone for there insights. I asked the questions. because a Quaife came up on one of the sale forums, at a good price, but wanted to know more.

Greg W.