Any Cobras built with open diff?

[t walgamuth]

I disagree. The open diff allows one side to always have traction for stability in a straight line.

[Snake2998]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I disagree. The open diff allows one side to always have traction for stability in a straight line.

That's how I see it as well. I think the non-driven wheel maintains straight line traction reducing (not negating) the tendency for the tail to slide out. I have an open 3.08 diff with TH400 box and at the time Bridgestone no traction tyres by the way and have found it to be very little disadvantage on the drag-strip - in 1993 with the original very mild 350 motor managed an easy 13.5 second 1/4 mile beating many potentially faster Cobras (their were 20 Cobras on the day) with open and closed diffs mainly because I could keep on it right from the start whilst they were smoking and sliding their way behind me - I was second fastest on the day being thoroughly beaten by a highly tuned 383 with a driver who knew what he was doing and who achieved 12.5 seconds. At the time most of the Cobras were running Bridgestones as they were the only tyres available in suitable sizes in South Africa.

[FredG]

My original plan was to order a car brand new and I do recall specifically one dealer discouraging my wanting an LSD or posi rear and citing the safety of having one tire fixed as opposed to both spinning at the same time. The car I purchased has an LSD. I now can see his point.

Fred

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I disagree. The open diff allows one side to always have traction for stability in a straight line.

[patrickt]

Alright, I see your argument on the safety aspect. Here's a pretty decent article that cites some of your points: https://drivetribe.com/p/how-limited...SmyQxXCdjAM4Pw From a performance perspective though, a LSD car is always going to be faster than an open diff car, particularly in and through the corners. But, if you look at an open diff as kind of a "rev limiter" for the performance of the car, then you have a point. And, considering that most of us here are not Stirling Moss, than can certainly be a good thing.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... a LSD car is always going to be faster than an open diff car, particularly in and through the corners.

Well, maybe a pro can comment on this statement instead of just taking my word for it. If I don't have to make it out of the corner, I can fly in to the corner as fast as any pro can. Maybe faster.

[FredG]

Growing up in the era of the muscle cars, no self respecting muscle car owner wanted an open rear or let it be known he had one. They were referred to as one wheel peelers. It was full posi or nothing. The LSD has certainly changed the game for traction. For a 100% wheel grabbing launch off a starting line it was full posi. All cars got squirrely. Good drivers, tuned suspensions and suitable tires kept the car straight. I imagine going around a corner in a 2400lb car would be a bit more challenging.

Fred

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well, maybe a pro can comment on this statement instead of just taking my word for it. If I don't have to make it out of the corner, I can fly in to the corner as fast as any pro can. Maybe faster.