My OBX Helical Install, and Opinion
03-28-2008, 09:57 PM
#1
My OBX Helical Install, and Opinion
Recently I purchased a OBX helical and had it installed into my open diff pumpkin. I payed to have it gear lashed as I don't feel confident shimming, and gear lashing it myself.
So far it has been over a month and the diff is great, it has alot more power to both wheels than what a vlsd would have. Acceleration is faster than a my old open diff, it doesn't make any noise and it uses the stock gears for the same stock gear ratio.
So far my KA makes about 205 HP to the crank and I have had no problems with the diff.
I still have a lot of brake control to the rear.
When I barely accelerate I can feel the grip of both wheels on the chassis.
Overall for maneuverable control for the street or track, I would rate this diff 4 out of 5 stars total....
So far it has been over a month and the diff is great, it has alot more power to both wheels than what a vlsd would have. Acceleration is faster than a my old open diff, it doesn't make any noise and it uses the stock gears for the same stock gear ratio.
So far my KA makes about 205 HP to the crank and I have had no problems with the diff.
I still have a lot of brake control to the rear.
When I barely accelerate I can feel the grip of both wheels on the chassis.
Overall for maneuverable control for the street or track, I would rate this diff 4 out of 5 stars total....
03-29-2008, 08:45 AM
#3
$380 with new axle bearings(some people call them carrier bearings) installed, and all new seals. Total for Helical $420, price for install $380, and I spent the $60 for the carrier bearings. $860 total wasn't bad since the Hitachi helical alone cost $825.
03-29-2008, 09:07 PM
#7
a while back i did some looking around on obx products and found that allegedly the bolts and washers used on this diff are not very good. many recommended that you replace the bolts and washes with quality bolts and washers and torquing them properly. just out of curiosity vinnie did you have this done as well?
03-29-2008, 09:21 PM
#8
a while back i did some looking around on obx products and found that allegedly the bolts and washers used on this diff are not very good. many recommended that you replace the bolts and washes with quality bolts and washers and torquing them properly. just out of curiosity vinnie did you have this done as well?
03-29-2008, 09:32 PM
#9
i couldn't find the original link but i found this one with pics.
http://rbryant.freeshell.org/obx_washers
http://rbryant.freeshell.org/obx_washers
03-30-2008, 11:15 AM
#10
i couldn't find the original link but i found this one with pics.
http://rbryant.freeshell.org/obx_washers
http://rbryant.freeshell.org/obx_washers
This was my thought.
Im pretty sure that some of those diffs may infact have defective issues with the washers, and placement of the washers. In speaking with some of my friends that own those diffs for there front wheel drive honda's claim that the issue was resolved after the first gen OBX helicals which did infact fall apart and would also work as the infamous peg leg open diff.
Now the second gen of FWD and including the rear wheel drive helicals are built much better, although in some cases the rear wheel drive washers are not built to the exact same spec every time where some washers could be crowned as an inner or an outer. In refrence to the washer placement some just need to simply be corrected.
Heres my judgement.....
I spent $420 on this OBX differential and right now everything is smooth, both wheels lock at 70LB feet, so do I have a defective diff??? Probably not, you know the instant you drive your diff if something is not regular either through noise it can make or the fact that it wont grip right on the street.
This diff cost $420, not $820 such as the hitachi helical, I'm not going to worry about a defect that would cost me more money to open it up and figure out if placement of the washers are correct. Once I start to open up a whole other can of worms so to speak it will start to cost more money, and at the price it cost to worry about little silly things like that I would be better off purchasing the hitachi helical....
As far as my review goes my diff is kick *** with no problems
Last edited by BigVinnie; 03-30-2008 at 11:18 AM.
03-31-2008, 08:17 PM
#11
Contributing Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Woodbridge
Posts: 886
I will be interested in seeing how well the diff holds up in the months to come. I definitely am not trying to sound condescending (I realize it could probably sound that way), but the test of time is the best judge. If all is well, I may infact purchase this diff on my next 240. I had the Kaaz 2-way before. Very noisy, but GREAT diff.
04-02-2008, 07:45 AM
#12
I will be interested in seeing how well the diff holds up in the months to come. I definitely am not trying to sound condescending (I realize it could probably sound that way), but the test of time is the best judge. If all is well, I may infact purchase this diff on my next 240. I had the Kaaz 2-way before. Very noisy, but GREAT diff.
04-07-2008, 10:10 PM
#15
Dammit, if it wasnt for my uncle, I woulda been out there. We would have a vid loaded up on youtube... Im so pissed at myself.
Vince, I need to call you up, I have this wicked idea to tell you about for the video project.
Vince, I need to call you up, I have this wicked idea to tell you about for the video project.