A 'Pumpkin Chain' proposition..... [Archive]

2112

October 22nd 2006, 00:47

I know there are a few out there that have a spare Z8 Pumpkin.

Since my dealer is not exicited about having my car on his lift for a couple days while my quaife is installed I started thinking of possibilities. I really don't need a spare 3rd member myself, might someone with a spare be willing to allow me to build my LSD pumkin with that unit, and let me send you my original (low milage and guarenteed undamaged) back as a replacement as soon as the swap is completed? Of course I am willing to pay a "fee" and all the shipping charges.

This can be viewed as a way to share the cost of that spare you purchased and may just leave on a shelf. Maybe the cost could get close to zero if you repeated this a few times?

Or is there someone who would want to split the cost of a spare pumpkin 2 or three ways and take turns using it to construct our new units?:rolleyes:

macfly

October 22nd 2006, 01:11

I have already ordered a new pumpkin via Metric Mechanic that is going to go, with my Quaife in it, up to Peter Pan in a couple of weeks. The pumpkin that will come out of my car is going back to MM for a small refund, but we can certainly make this a cheaper event by pumpkin trading. :)
Seems apt being Haloween and all!

2112

October 22nd 2006, 01:20

Are you changing gears too?

If there are no others interested, Maybe I can just buy your core pumpkin for more than what you would have recieved otherwise.

macfly

October 22nd 2006, 01:29

I really like the ratios as they are, on the roads I drive the most I have no desire to change the revs, and the car is quite fast enough for me as it is.

2112

October 22nd 2006, 18:41

I really like the ratios as they are, on the roads I drive the most I have no desire to change the revs, and the car is quite fast enough for me as it is.

I am undecided as of now. Please keep me informed as I do want to work something out with you on your pumpkin. :rolleyes:

ron's rocket

October 23rd 2006, 18:39

I was wondering how I might have the Quaife installed and not leave the car sitting in a shop or on a rack for however long it might take. I'm also not interested in changing the gear ratios, but haven't made the calls to find out how long the r&r would take.

Dogsbreath

October 23rd 2006, 21:08

My mechanic in Vegas (Precision Auto) agreed to put the car away for the necessary time. However, I know that could be a major inconvenience for them. I may be interested.

Dave P

2112

October 24th 2006, 04:54

That makes four of us. Even if we split the cost of the first Pumpkin 4 ways. that is less than $400 each. We would still have a pumkin at the end to pass on to another individual or another group to further reduce the cost.

Andrew is the furthest along in the process so it depends on what he wants to do with his return core. We could set up a time table and rotate it through the purchasers. I can go next or I can go last it is up to the group. I wil do mine locally so I should not need more than a week if I get enough lead time, maybe less.

2112

October 24th 2006, 05:52

Actually, I am ready to move now, being up north, I don't like to drive to the dealer in crummy weather. Andrew if you are game, I am ready as soon as you make a swap. I will move as fast as possible to get the pumkin on to the next person

macfly

October 24th 2006, 06:03

I'll get a confirmed cost from Metric and we can then just split that four ways if there are four of us.

thegunguy

October 24th 2006, 15:30

Pumpkin brothers?

ron's rocket

October 24th 2006, 19:44

Anyone have a recommendation for a shop in SoCal. LA would work but something in the OC area would be even better.

ron's rocket

October 24th 2006, 19:57

Shared resources and communication that save us time and money. Thanks all.

Dogsbreath

October 24th 2006, 22:58

I am in then.

Jim Rowe told me turn around time for the diff would be approx 8 to 10 days. Factor in shipping time etc... and it would be likely a little over 2 weeks turn around per unit.

I am waiting for my Eisenmanns to do it all at the same time. My mechanic is local and it will be easdy for me to do this at any time.

I am not changing my gearing.

Dave P

thegunguy

October 25th 2006, 00:59

Pumpkinheads,

Two weeks is consistent with my experience, and I believe Z8Doc's too. The longest lead time in my case was the time for Jim to receive some seals from BMW to complete my build.

The first person (macfly) will need to build a box to ship the pumpkin. On Jim's suggestion, I cut a plywood sheet to fit the interior of an large cardboard box. I then lined this plywood frame with two layers (about 3") of "blueboard" super-dense insulation (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). I wrapped the pumpkin in corrugated paper and bubble wrap and placed inside the foam box. Then, I filled the remaining space with packing foam/chips. The pumpkin arrived at Jim's shop and back at my residence without issue and in perfect condition.

Be sure to drain the diff before sending to save weight and since UPS, etc. will not ship liquids.

2112

October 25th 2006, 03:10

If Andrew starts the process, won't he have the box the first unit comes in? or is it too flimsy?

macfly

October 25th 2006, 03:26

but not sure about the pumpkin as yet. I'll call Jim tomorrow and see what the total is for the 'donor' unit which I believe he ordered direct from BMW NA. We can then figure out the split etc. I'll post with full info in the am.

Z8Mania

October 25th 2006, 12:55

3.64 vs. 3.38 (original gearing) . I have to urge you guys to think hard about going with the higher gearing. I find that in most of my regular driving the gearing is what makes the biggest difference- in the more sporty cornering, the LSD is nice, but consider that the tires (if you have changed them as you should) provide a lot of grip to begin with, so you have to be breaking the grip and how much farther past breaking that grip should you be going? :) For hooligan fun having more rear wheel power pays dividends too. But more than that, it makes the car feel so much stronger.

I highly recommend both the LSD and the revised gearing.

I do have the OEM diff in a box in my office but its not packaged very well right now and I will be out of touch for a good part of today. So Michael (2112) as a fellow Z8er and fellow Rush fan myself I would be happy to help but we will have to address the packaging issue as the thing is pretty heavy. I am in Westchester NY and you are all the way in WA. I am sure we could work out the shipping but we would have to get some help in the packaging. If you can find someone closer to you I would suggest that, otherwise let me know.

You can email me at z8mania@mac.com

Dogsbreath

October 26th 2006, 00:13

I shipped a diff recently (Though not a Z8 one). I used the ubiquitous milk crate. I wrapped the diff in brown paper (to absorb any stray oil), followed by yards of bubble wrap. Then I packed newspapers into any holes so the diff would not move. Finally I wrapped the milk crate in cardboard. OK - not beautiful - but durable, re-useable, cheap and easy.

Dave P

2112

October 26th 2006, 05:30

Differntials or pumkins?

Z8mania, Thanks for your generous offer. Lets wait to see what we can do as a group, If it gets complicated for us, I am sure you will here from me or others.:D

Z8Mania

October 26th 2006, 20:50

Sorry for the confusion- mines the entire diff- pumpkin and all the stuffin :)

macfly

October 28th 2006, 03:02

So how many of us are in for the 'daisy chain'?

My diff will be arriving at Peter Pan sometime late next week, so we can send the one we're removing directly on to whoever needs it next, or if #2 in the chain is using Metric Mechanic we can just return it to there.

Please let me know how is in, and who wants to go next so we can divi up the purchase price. I'll pay 20% more than the split cost as I'm starting with the brand new one - mine one has only done 7,000 very babied miles, but since all the inners get junked it doesn't much matter.

2112

October 28th 2006, 03:48

I am in, and I am happy to go first unless someone else needs too. I would like to avoid the crummy N.W. weather if possible.

2112

October 28th 2006, 03:53

Andrew,

I also want to swap out the "bad" wheel bearings (or axle bearings?) when I do my swap as I have a very early production car (I can hardly believe I have had her nearly 6 years!).

Can you remind me which bearings allowed the excess movement? Do you have a part #?

Lastly, Are we all staying stock on gears ratios? I am running out of time to get others in and I am pretty happy with the accelaration I have now.:rolleyes:

macfly

October 28th 2006, 04:02

No issue here, where do you want me to send the unit to?

The rear wheel bearings were the ones that got beefed up - same part # but well upgraded beefier part as you'll see when you do the swap.

I'm staying with stock gearing as I use the car for more brisk touring than 'super-sporting'. All those who have the lower ratio absolutely love it, so if want your car to accellerate a bit stronger then this seems to be a no loose upgrade.

David & Ron, you guys ok to go next? Looks like the part split 4 ways is $431 - but if you guys are cool to give me $390 each then I'm happy as can be as the 'pumpkin chain starter'. (PayPal or check is cool.).

2112

October 28th 2006, 04:37

I'll do Pay Pal now but I am not sure how to get it to you directly.

I think to keep things simple I will just have Metric Mechanic do mine too. I assume I just need to get my differential to him.

So....I just say replace the rear wheel bearings? I don't expect them to know the nuances of certain year's bearing attributes so I want to geive them the best information. Front bearings too?

macfly

October 28th 2006, 06:46

Fronts are cheap & easy, rears take more time, effort & $, but I'd say it wouldn't hurt to change both if you've done a good number of miles on bumpier or rougher roads.

macfly

October 29th 2006, 21:48

It will first come to my car at Peter Pan, then return to MM, go to 2112, and then return to MM if that is where the next is to be fitted. Please let me know who wants to go next so we can keep the chain moving.

(ok, this is very off topic, but Never Break the Chain by Fleetwood Mac was the theme music for BBC's Formula 1 program during most of my youth!)

tomfakes

October 30th 2006, 03:32

and for a while, James Hunt.

Although Speed does Ok, I miss the UK coverage.

Dogsbreath

October 30th 2006, 06:26

I am in. Andrew I will paypal you $390. The email address is andrew@bmwz8.us correct ?? Please just confirm that and I will paypal you immediately.

My revised gear ratios and Quaife are already at Metric Mechanic.

I am content to go last as I hope to do the Eisenmanns at the same time. They have yet to materialize.

Dave

macfly

October 30th 2006, 14:29

you're in the chain-gang now! PayPal address is amacfly@mac.com

2112

October 30th 2006, 16:20

Andrew,

Should we talk to Jim Rowe? DO you have a land line # for them?

Just so I know, what labor and parts cost should we expect?

macfly

October 30th 2006, 17:08

Metric Mechanic (http://www.metricmechanic.com/)

505 East Main
Richland MO
65556

573 765 1269

2112

October 31st 2006, 02:20

That is the same # I had but Verizon kept saying he was out of range. I will try again.

I assume the parts and Labor is the $1500 listed next to 3.38/quaife?

ron's rocket

October 31st 2006, 08:42

Work has me out of town for the next couple of weeks. End of November is the earliest I can get back to a car project.

2112

November 2nd 2006, 05:09

He was not fully aware of our "daisy chain" but thought is was a great way to do this.He was just sending Andrews "pumpkin" out the door and did not expect it back for a while. I am sending My Quaife this week so when Andrew's pumpkin arrives he will be ready. When I recieve that unit, I will send my pristine pumkin back to Jim for the next person. He said these conversions have been going good with out complications.:D

2112

November 2nd 2006, 05:14

Work has me out of town for the next couple of weeks. End of November is the earliest I can get back to a car project.

If everthing goes smoothly, that would be good timing to be next. Jim told me to expect 2-3 weeks before I get the completed unit. Then I need to perform the swap.

It would be great if the mufflers arrive but I will be content with bearings, the fix and the Quaife. I can always do mufflers myself.

macfly

November 2nd 2006, 14:30

I had eailed with Mary, not Jim about the chain - and she thought it was a very creative solution - i guess she just didn't tell Jim.

I'll talk to Dana and see if there is any chance that he could get the rear swapped out a bit quicker so we can keep the chain moving.

2112

November 9th 2006, 05:41

My quaife was delivered at MM today, What is your pumpkin's status Andrew?

macfly

November 9th 2006, 05:47

saying all was there, and ready to go, but I have to call him in the am to get an exact timeline of pumpkin turnaround - I'll post again once we've spoken.

2112

November 9th 2006, 06:06

Sounds good, Keep us posted.:D

Dogsbreath

November 9th 2006, 23:28

Sorry I did not see this sooner. If there is anyone out there who opts to buy a final drive (complete unit) the price appears to differ from state to state. Andrew's price was 1700 - my quoted price was 1400 at the dealer here in Vegas. If you are a BMW CCA member you would qualify for an additional 10 % off.

It might well be worth shopping around if you opt for a complete final drive.

Dave P

macfly

November 19th 2006, 19:32

My Z8 has its LSD installed, and the pumpkin is now back at MM, and I imagine getting ready to leave for Seattle.

2112, if you send it back to MM as soon as poss then MM will do dogsbreath's.

As of now we don't have any other takers for the pumpkin chain, so if it is just us three we will 'sell' our final unit back to MM for $500, and split the proceeds. If anyone else would like to join the pumpkin chain please let us know before we sell our one back.

2112

November 19th 2006, 20:39

I have been in contact with the Rowes. They received my differential a week or so ago. I asked that they give me a heads up on the completion date so that I can reserve my time at the dealer in advance.

I will return my pumpkin ASAP.

BTW how many hours did it take your dealer to swap out the pumpkins?

Which gearl oil did you go with?

macfly

November 19th 2006, 21:08

RedLine 75W90 fully synthetic gear oil.
Change it after 1200 miles.
Then every 30,000 or so.
No extended high speed driving during initial break-in.

I think it was about 5 or six hours to do the swap, but I won't kenow exactly till I pick up the car.

ron's rocket

November 20th 2006, 06:29

I need to get my Quaife installed. I'll make some calls to find a shop here in the Orange Co. area.

macfly

November 21st 2006, 16:23

if you could PayPal me the $390 to the email address andrew@bmwz8.us

If we have all 4 of us it will be very cost effective -
1700 - 390x3 (1170) - 500 (on final return to MM) = 530 my cost

If we get a 5th pumpkin chainer we will all start to get a credit. This reminds me of the farm co-operatives.

You could try Irvine BMW, they did the LSD swap on both of Z8Bob's cars so they know the drill, but the guy who used to be very good at Z8's (Ernesto Heredia - 949 387 8320) has been promoted out of the shop into an desk job. Be warned he is really, really hard to get on the phone, and he is terrible at returning phone calls.

2112

November 22nd 2006, 05:32

I have asked MM to let me know what time frame to expect. As soon as I hear, I will schedule with my dealer. Told to expect a couple days. If Dogsbreath wants to be last, I can send mine down to you in CA rather than back to MM. That would keep things moving quickly.

Dogsbreath

November 22nd 2006, 10:38

Hey 2112

I am easy on this issue. If you want to go next that is fine with me. Just make sure MM knows not to put my revised gearing in your diff (I am changing my ratios). I am still waiting for the Eisenamnns and would like to do all my work at the same time. Let me know your preference.

Dave P

2112

November 22nd 2006, 15:06

I believe they are ready with mine w/o gear change. I ran with your earlier comment that you were waiting for the mufflers and told them I was next.

I will try to keep on this to make my turn around quick.

Dogsbreath

November 23rd 2006, 22:58

Thanks 2112

Sounds fine to me. Have a nice Thanksgiving.

Dave P

2112

November 29th 2006, 05:10

I talked to Jim, He said he hopes to have my unit out the door by late next week. Then it is to my dealer for the swap.

PM me with a shipping address sometime in the next week or so.

2112

December 9th 2006, 04:14

I just recieved word from Metric Mechanic that the pumkin shipped today. I was told to expect it next thursday or Friday. I now need to get lined up with the top service tech at my dealer and get the open differential out to Dave P.

Dogsbreath

December 9th 2006, 04:30

Sweet - thanks for the post. Maybe the Eisenmanns will be here by then (or maybe not).

Dave P

2112

December 15th 2006, 04:56

I recieved the 3rd member today. The top service tech is out next week but I am scheduled to start as soon as he returns the week after.

Are we settled on who gets it next? I will be ready to ship to CA for Dave, Just need an address.

Michael

macfly

December 15th 2006, 05:14

Dave is next, but I think that the pumpkin goes back to MM for them to fit and prepare his unit - but better check with him that he sent his LSD to MM.

Ron pm'd me to say he wants to go at the back of the chain as he is waiting for some other stuff to clear.

Dogsbreath

December 15th 2006, 14:49

Hey Michael

Thanks. I am ready to go. Please send the unit to Metric Mechanic with a note saying it is for Dave Pledger. They already have my Quaife and revised gear ratios.

I will call Jim and Mary and let them know. If you could let me know the date it ships I would appreciate it.

Shipping Address:
Metric Mechanic
505 East Main
Richland MO
65556
Phone: (573) 765-1269 Fax: (573) 765-4216

Dont hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Thanks again

Dave P

2112

December 20th 2006, 06:38

Will do. I would expect to ship a week from tomorrow, thursday at the latest.

2112

December 30th 2006, 03:30

Dave, Shipped my pumpkin back to Metric Mechanic for your build. Let me know if you want the tracking #

Dogsbreath

December 30th 2006, 10:01

Thanks Michael

I will let Metric Mechanic know. Much appreciated

Dave

2112

January 6th 2007, 03:55

Dave, the pumpkin has arrived at metric mechanic.

Dogsbreath

January 8th 2007, 08:12

Thanks Michael

So Andrew - who do I send the pumpkin to when I have the new one installed ??

Dave P

macfly

January 8th 2007, 14:23

Ron is next up I believe, and I think that he is having Metric Mechanic build his unit too, so I would say just ship it back to Jim, and ask him to hold it for Ron.

KenZ8

January 10th 2007, 15:47

Dogsbreath

February 7th 2007, 00:06

After some delay due to ice storms in Missouri (the Metric Mechanics had no power for a week !) and a few other anomalies, my assembled diff arrived at my mechanic yesterday afternoon and is scheduled for install tomorrow morning. I will have the pumpkin sent out directly to Metric Mechanic for the next in line.

Dave P

2112

February 7th 2007, 05:11

It appears 1 month would be a more realistic turn around time frame.:rolleyes:

macfly

February 7th 2007, 06:24

Ken, I just realized your question went unanswered, but I'm not sure what unit they have/had so can't really compare the two.

KenZ8

February 8th 2007, 04:20

Below is the description as found on their website- it sounds to me just like what you are installing???

"The Quaife torque biasing differential enables your car to accelerate quicker and corner faster. How?
By getting the power to the ground!

The Quaife Differential powers both drive wheels under nearly all conditions, instead of just one. With an ordinary open differential, standard on most cars, a lot of precious power is wasted during wheel spin under acceleration. This happens because the open differential shifts power to the wheel with less grip (along the path of least resistance). The Quaife, however, does just the opposite. It senses which wheel has the better grip, and biases the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and constantly, and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel.

In drag-race style, straight-line acceleration runs, this results in a close to ideal 50/50 power split to both drive wheels, resulting in essentially twice the grip of an ordinary differential (they don't call open diffs "peglegs" for nothing).

In cornering, while accelerating out of a turn, the Quaife biases power to the outside wheel, reducing inside-wheel spin. This allows the driver to begin accelerating earlier, exiting the corner at a higher speed.The Quaife also controls loss of traction when the front wheels are on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow or mud, providing the appropriate biased traction needed to overcome these adverse conditions. The Quaife Differential provides constant and infinitely variable drive. Power is transferred automatically without the use of normal friction pads or plates seen in other limited-slip designs."

macfly

February 8th 2007, 04:51

what I would suggest is call them, and ask them to look at the LSD thread (http://www.bmwz8.us/vbb/showthread.php?t=191&referrerid=2) and tell you if the unit they have is the one in the first post, which is the older 540 unit that requires grinding down your diff housing, or the newer lightweight Z8 specific version shown in the second post.

They could be selling someone's unused unit, I remember seeing one up for sale on Roadfly a while back.

Dogsbreath

February 9th 2007, 09:18

Ron - The pumpkin has left Vegas for Metric Mechanic.

Dave P

biffom

February 18th 2007, 20:04

to the chain gang?

I've been away traveling and missed this one.

Many thanks,

Carl.

2112

February 18th 2007, 20:07

The more the merrier:D:D.

macfly

February 18th 2007, 20:43

Please do & welcome to the chain!!

biffom

February 19th 2007, 00:46

Andrew,

Is it still: "$390 to the email address andrew@bmwz8.us" ?

macfly

February 19th 2007, 08:24

yes please, if you could PayPal me the $390 to andrew@bmwz8.us

You are now our 4th member, so we are now at the break even point on the cost of the new unit that started the chain, which MM billed me $1750 for. So far this is how it looks;
macfly / 2112 / dogsbreath / biffom
paypal cost split....3 x 390 =1170
final deposit return...............500
my cost..............................530

if Ron or anyone else joins in now we will just do a return dividend to each participant via PayPal..

jdillane

February 19th 2007, 20:16

pardon my ignorance but is there a thread that summarizes how this works?
I am in the midst of trying to start up an insurance company (workers comp) so time and money are presently limited. Many of the upgrades, from Brembos to Eisenman exhaust, are enticing but not within my current budget. But this...if I understand correctly, seems a very inexpensive way to get the benefit of LSD. Any other parts needed? Labor estimate would also help. Lastly, I am in MI and the weather will likely keep my car in storage until late April so I would not be able to get involved until then.

thegunguy

February 19th 2007, 20:28

This is merely a group that is sharing a blank final drive housing as a build-up medium for the purpose-made Quaife LSD in an effort to save time, not the differential itself. To participate, you must have been part of the purpose-made Quaife LSD group purchase last year. If you were not a part of this group, the thread does not apply, and you will have to source an alternative LSD solution. There are several alternatives on the market. Expect parts and labor to range from $3k to $6k.

thegunguy

February 19th 2007, 20:36

Bavauto has a Quaife differential for the Z8 on their website for $1500, available in a week's time.(part #30.309.170)
"This unit is a direct replacement for the factory differential. Basically remove the differential cover, remove the differential, take
the ring gear from your existing unit and mount it onto the Quaife and then shim it as necessary for proper gear mesh. "
Is this similar to what you are doing with the pumpkin? Thanks for helping me understand the process.

Ken,

As Quaife does not normally produce a LSD that is a direct-swap for the open-diff in the Z8, I doubt their claim. It certainly warrants further investigation, but the Z8 final-drive is a bit of a mis-match of parts. Many people assume that since drive-train is akin to the M5 that the same applies to the final-drive. Not so. The final drive in the Z8 is actually more like the E65 7 series, from which it derives its gearing. However, the diff and housing are specific to the Z8.

There are companies that are fitting 5 series compatible LSDs into the Z8, but this process required milling the interior of the final-drive housing. So, this is not a direct-swap.

About a year ago, Brett at Koala indicated that he was developing a diff to fit the Z8, but I am unaware of his progress. Metric Mechanic had also mentioned developing one.

KenZ8

February 20th 2007, 00:41

Are you installing your Quaiffe into the empty "pumpkin" before putting your cars up on a lift, allowing you to do a swap once the car is up rather than wait with it disassembled while the quaiffe is fitted into the pumpkin? If so, the first guy got a new housing installed into his car, the second got to keep the housing from car #1, and so on??

thegunguy

February 20th 2007, 01:31

Exactly.

When I did mine last summer, I purchased a spare final-drive to do the build. That way I will always have the original one in it's unmodified condition.

The group here just did the same with one spare shared by all participants.

Z8doc

March 30th 2007, 01:49

Bavauto has a Quaife differential for the Z8 on their website for $1500, available in a week's time.(part #30.309.170)
"This unit is a direct replacement for the factory differential. Basically remove the differential cover, remove the differential, take
the ring gear from your existing unit and mount it onto the Quaife and then shim it as necessary for proper gear mesh. "
Is this similar to what you are doing with the pumpkin? Thanks for helping me understand the process.

Read the LSD thread carefully as it is all explained there. IF.... you were not part of the LSD group buy, too late for that. The Quaifes on that buy were made to a specialized lightweight specification and made to fit into the Z8 housing without modificaition. Unless Quaife is now selling the specialized design (US owners patented change) through BAV, it is doubtful that a Quaife they will sell you will do what they claim. More likely, the Quiafe will be a standard size Quaife, ones that are used in the e39 5 series, and then have to mill out the housing to fit it in the Z8's final drive housing (this is what Koala Motorsport first did and can still do). Metric Mechanic can do the same and should not affect the pumpkin chain.

The other choice is that MM sell their own Variable % Salisbury type LSD, which also can be made to fit a Z8 housing. It is a clutch style and works with similar results but the clutch packs do wear out over time, which compared to the Quaife, is not as good but.... will accomplish what you want as far as traction gains. Talk to Jim (or for those who have spoke to him - he talks, you listen !;) ) and he will explain your options.

I too would recommend the Quaife AND the 3.64 gears. I like the increase in torque provided by the 3.64 gears as judged by the "seat of my pants" feeling!! I do not think you would regret the choice.:D

Hope that helps!

KenZ8

March 30th 2007, 02:30

even more torque than I have now- it sounds like a blast!

macfly

March 30th 2007, 03:43

Have any of you guys noticed a feeling of there being some slack in the driveline since fitting your LSD's?

I noticed it quite a lot on the drive back down to LA, especially when you are gently rolling on and off the gas in 3rd & 4th in the 4-6000 rpm range. I find it interupts the flow of the driving experience, and I'm not really happy about it. However I'm not sure if it is just my unit, or if it is something that is common to all the others out there too.

thegunguy

March 30th 2007, 03:50

I don't recall anything like that. Although, mine is from an earlier lot.

2112

March 30th 2007, 04:05

almost sounds like a bad u-joint :rolleyes:.

Bend

March 30th 2007, 04:56

We'll have a chance to look into that more carefully at Buttonwillow.

macfly

March 30th 2007, 05:21

What would cause a U joint to go bad, and is it hard to fix?

Dogsbreath

March 30th 2007, 07:43

Andrew - no slack here

Ken - get the different ratios - it is impressive

Dave P

Z8doc

March 30th 2007, 20:56

even more torque than I have now- it sounds like a blast!

The torque improvements with the 3.64 vs the oem 3.38 are as follows:

Stock 3.38 gears -- 364 lb-ft torque

3.64 gears ---- 408 lb-ft torque (as measured when I dyno'ed my Z8 -- 5 pull average). The only other improvement I have is stage 1 Dinan software.

That is definite "seat of the pant' improvement!!:D And, as we all know -- it is torque that leads to acceleration!!

2112

March 31st 2007, 02:25

What would cause a U joint to go bad, and is it hard to fix?

Not hard to replace or relatively expensive. I wrecked a few on various vehicles. Usually by doing burnouts/drag racing stunts. I have outgrown most :rolleyes: of that.

macfly

March 31st 2007, 04:45

Since I have babied this car I doubt its that, sadly I suspect it is something within the LSD, but since I won't be doing high miles with it I may just learn to live with it, and not worry.

Z8doc

April 1st 2007, 18:54

I would call Jim at MM to discuss it with him -- IF.... it is "slack" within the final drive itself because the backlash of the pinion / ring gear is off and not adjusted properly, that will lead to premature failure and if that occurred, your Z8 could look like the alternative rock musicians "Smashing Pumpkins" had been driving your Z8! IF.... the "slack" is within the Quaife differential itself (which I doubt) same thing can happen!

I would talk to Jim to see if he can instruct you on how to test / examine your Z8 to see if there is any play. This could involve removing the rear cover on the rack.

It could be a factor of inadequate lubricant (either amount or type/weight) as PeterPan may have not adequately filled it or used the correct type/weight of gear lubricant as the high rpm may not be letting adequate lubircation when you are at speed and your "pumpkin" and gears may be overheating. The Quaife requires 75W90 fully Synthetic Gear oil. Don't forget that your new Quaife requires the same restrictions that your Z8 required when new, no greater than 4000 rpm and 100 mph for the first 1500 miles then change the gear oil, just like when it was new. Then let 'er rip:3gears:

Hope that helps -

macfly

April 1st 2007, 19:22

I did speak to Jim, and he gave me some tests to do, but I've already forgotten what they were! I'll call him again next time I'm about to take the car out to jog my memory. I know that Peter Pan put the right oil in, as we discussed it at length, and they have installed about a dozen of the different units from Brett and our group combined.

Z8doc

April 1st 2007, 19:29

Peter Pan I am sure is competent but... human error is possible, so just to be complete, I would independently check the fluid level while you're evaluating, just to be sure, it is easy enough to do.

Bend

April 2nd 2007, 00:03

4,000 RPM for 1500 miles. That could easily be a half year.
I'm curious, where were we supposed to get those instructions from?

Z8doc

April 2nd 2007, 00:23

4,000 RPM for 1500 miles. That could easily be a half year.
I'm curious, where were we supposed to get those instructions from?

posting. I spoke with Quaife America, as well a Koala Motorsport (recommended 1,200 miles) when I was doing my original research on the subject. Since we had that same original restriction, I asked them if the same would apply to this, and they recommended it. Metric Mechanic also agreed. Rifle and I drove the heck out of ours after doing the upgrade so we would be in great shape for the MITM last summer, as we both got ours done just before that.

As a new owner, there was a sticker between the radio head opening and the string of buttons on the console that stated "1500 mile service mandatory". When I took mine in for that, I asked my service advisor what that was for and was told, to service the rear final drive, i.e., gear lube change. Now, I know lots of racing folk as well as my experience with other differential rebuilds (my son and I have done several American 4x4 mods) and never limited it like the above -- so, could you let it rip -- probably. But, the gears/bearings/seals may mesh/seal better after a break in period so, who is right -- not sure.

My advise, drive it daily for now to get to the 1,200 miles, change it and go.