Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) – Transform Your Traction
Put Power Where It Matters Most
Automotive Cardiff Limited is proud to offer premium Limited Slip Differentials from two of the industry’s most respected manufacturers: Quaife Engineering and Gripper Differentials. Whether you’re seeking ultimate road performance, track day dominance, or motorsport victory, we have the perfect LSD solution for your vehicle.
What is a Limited Slip Differential?
A standard ‘open’ differential sends power to the wheel with the least resistance – typically the one that’s spinning. This wastes power, creates wheelspin, and limits your vehicle’s true performance potential.
A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) intelligently distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, dramatically improving:
✓ Traction – Power goes to both wheels, not just the spinning one
✓ Acceleration – Faster launches and corner exit speeds
✓ Handling – Reduced understeer and controllable oversteer
✓ Lap Times – Proven improvements of 2+ seconds on short circuits
✓ Safety – Enhanced control in slippery conditions
✓ Braking – Better deceleration and reduced ABS intervention (FWD)
Choose Your LSD Technology
We offer two distinct LSD technologies, each with unique advantages:
Quaife ATB® Helical Gear Differential
The Smooth Operator – Perfect for Road & Track
Gripper Multi-Plate Differential
The Ultimate Traction Machine – Customisable for Any Discipline
Quaife ATB® Limited Slip Differential
Automatic Torque Biasing – The Intelligent Choice
The Quaife ATB® differential automatically biases torque across the axle to the wheel with the most grip, greatly reducing unwanted wheelspin and slip. This results in less understeer on front-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles, and reduced oversteer on rear-wheel drive cars.
Why Choose Quaife?
Trusted by the World’s Best
The Quaife ATB® has been chosen by Ford, General Motors, BMW, Lotus and Chrysler for their high-performance model lines, including all three generations of Ford Focus RS, the Lotus Evora 400, and Ford’s 2018 Fiesta ST hot hatch.
With over 200,000 units sold worldwide since the 1980s, the Quaife ATB® is the benchmark for helical gear differential technology.
British Engineering Excellence
All Quaife products are precision manufactured from certified steel billets at their Gillingham manufacturing hub in Kent, England, using advanced 3D CAD/CAM software and robotic 5-axis CNC machining centres. As an ISO9001 registered company, every differential meets the highest quality standards.
Quaife ATB® Key Advantages
Proven Performance Gains
Independent back-to-back testing by Redline Magazine on a RenaultSport Clio 200 proved lap times were reduced by over 2 seconds even on a short circuit, making the Quaife ATB an excellent value upgrade.
Never Locks – Always Progressive
The Quaife ATB® differential never ‘locks,’ making it progressive, safe and user-friendly, and is silent in operation even during low-speed parking manoeuvres.
Zero Maintenance Design
Unlike plate-style LSD units, there are no clutches, ramps, springs or other wear-prone components to replace at regular intervals. The well-proven helical gear system is extremely durable and designed to use standard transmission oils.
This makes the Quaife ATB® a genuine ‘fit and forget’ upgrade.
Enhanced Braking (Front-Wheel Drive)
On front-wheel drive cars, the Quaife ATB® delivers significant performance benefits during heavy braking by transferring torque away from the locking wheel, enhancing deceleration, delaying ABS intrusion, and allowing drivers to brake later and deeper.
Full Electronic Compatibility
Fully compatible with manufacturer electronic traction control and anti-lock braking systems. No warning lights, no coding required – it works seamlessly with modern vehicles.
Quaife ATB® Features at a Glance
- Safe, progressive action – never ‘locks’
- Maximises traction and minimises wheelspin
- Greatly reduces torque steer, understeer and oversteer
- Improves braking performance on FWD vehicles
- Reduces tyre wear
- Gear-operated with no service components – ever
- Direct replacement for factory open differential
- Retains normal axle lubrication and maintenance
- Silent in operation
- Available for over 500 different applications
- Lifetime warranty for both motorsport and road use
Gripper Multi-Plate Limited Slip Differential
Customisable Traction – Built to Your Specification
Gripper is a UK-based company with over 16 years of experience in manufacturing Limited Slip Differentials, featuring in-house design facilities and CNC machining capabilities. Every Gripper differential is built to order with your specific requirements in mind.
The Multi-Plate Advantage
How It Works
The Gripper LSD uses a multi-plate design which, when it detects a difference in wheel speed across the driven axle, locks the driveshafts together increasing traction, equalising torque across the driven wheels and sending drive torque to both wheels.
The result? Faster launches, increased corner exit speeds, and controlled handling characteristics.
Unmatched Versatility
Gripper differentials can be set up with varying amounts of preload and ramp angles to suit individual needs, giving quiet, smooth, and progressive control.
What makes Gripper truly special: The same differential can be reconfigured for different disciplines simply by adjusting the ramp angles, preload, and active plates – no need to buy a new unit if you change from racing to rallying!
Gripper Specifications – Choose Your Setup
Road Specification
Perfect for Fast Road & Spirited Driving
Road specification typically uses 40/65 ramp blocks for more lock in acceleration than deceleration, giving smooth locking action on acceleration out of corners for increased traction and cornering speed, with less locking action under braking to eliminate understeer.
Setup: 50/80 ramps, 60Nm preload
Characteristics: Smooth, progressive, minimal torque steer
Ideal for: Daily drivers, fast road cars, occasional track days
Track Specification
Optimised for Track Day Performance
A balanced setup offering excellent traction without compromising drivability for regular track day use.
Setup: 40/65 ramps, 60Nm preload
Characteristics: Aggressive lock-up, enhanced corner exit traction
Ideal for: Dedicated track cars, time attack, circuit racing
Race Specification
Maximum Lock for Competition Use
Full competition setup with high preload for ultimate traction in motorsport applications.
Setup: 40/65 ramps, 120Nm preload
Characteristics: Aggressive locking, instant response, maximum traction
Ideal for: Sprint racing, hillclimb, stage rally, drift
Custom Specification
Bespoke Setup for Specialist Applications
Gripper can set differentials up for all forms of motorsport including tarmac racing, drift, drag, gravel rallying, ice racing, and even differentials that operate differently on left and right-hand bends for oval racing.
We’ll consult with you on your exact requirements, driving style, and vehicle specification to create the perfect setup.
Gripper Technical Excellence
Quiet Plate Technology
The plates have minute oil grooves machined into them which allows a microscopic layer of oil to be pumped between them, improving the plates’ ability to lock and unlock smoothly, reducing plate chatter, and providing very long service life.
This advanced design means:
- Almost silent operation in day-to-day driving
- No clicking noise in tight turns or car parks
- Extended service intervals
- Lower cost of ownership
Continuous Drive – Even with Failure
Alternative settings for rallying will give continuous drive even when a wheel is lifted or indeed a broken driveshaft, instilling complete confidence in your vehicle.
This unique capability can save your stage or race by maintaining drive even with component failure – a feature that sets Gripper apart from helical gear differentials.
Aerospace Quality Materials
Cases, lids and gears are made of aero-quality steel and built to tight tolerances, making them one of the most reliable and sought-after transmission products on the market.
Gripper Features at a Glance
- Multi-plate clutch design for maximum lock
- Fully customisable ramp angles and preload
- Quiet operation with advanced plate technology
- Made from aerospace-quality steel
- Compact design fits where other LSDs can’t
- Reconfigurable for different disciplines
- Maintains drive even with broken driveshafts
- Manufactured in the UK
- Lifetime warranty against workmanship and materials
- Free setup service before delivery
Quaife vs Gripper – Which is Right for You?
| Feature | Quaife ATB® | Gripper Multi-Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Road cars, daily drivers, track days | Motorsport, rally, track racing, drift |
| Operation | Automatic, progressive, never locks | Adjustable lock percentage, customisable |
| Maintenance | Zero maintenance, fit and forget | Long service life, plates may need refresh after heavy motorsport use |
| Noise | Completely silent | Near-silent with Quiet Plate technology |
| Traction | Excellent for most applications | Maximum possible traction |
| Broken Shaft | Will lose drive to one wheel | Maintains drive even with shaft failure |
| Customisation | Fixed characteristics | Fully adjustable ramp angles and preload |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Price Point | Premium | Premium |
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Quaife ATB® if you want:
- A maintenance-free, fit-and-forget solution
- Silent operation for daily driving
- Progressive, predictable handling
- Compatibility with all electronic systems
- OEM-quality reliability
Choose Gripper if you want:
- Maximum possible traction
- Customisable setup for specific use
- Ability to reconfigure for different disciplines
- Rally-spec reliability with drive retention
- Competition-proven performance
Still unsure? Our technical team will discuss your vehicle, usage, and goals to recommend the perfect LSD for your needs.
Professional Supply & Installation
Expert LSD Fitting at Automotive Cardiff Limited
Installing an LSD requires precision, expertise, and proper setup. Our experienced technicians provide:
✓ Pre-Installation Consultation – Discuss your requirements and recommend the right specification
✓ OEM-Quality Installation – Precision fitting with correct shimming and bearing preload
✓ New Components – We recommend fresh differential bearings and seals
✓ Correct Lubrication – Proper oil specification and fill levels
✓ Post-Installation Testing – Road test to ensure perfect operation
✓ Setup Guidance – Advice on running-in and getting the most from your LSD
Additional Services
- ECU Remapping – Maximise the performance gains from your new LSD
- Driveshaft Replacement – Upgrade to uprated driveshafts for high-powered applications
- Full Drivetrain Packages – Combine LSD with clutch upgrades, flywheels, and more
Extensive Vehicle Coverage
Both Quaife and Gripper manufacture LSDs for hundreds of applications including:
Popular Fitments:
- Ford Focus ST, RS (all generations)
- Ford Fiesta ST (MK7, MK8)
- VW Golf GTI, R (MK5, MK6, MK7, MK8)
- Audi S3, RS3
- BMW M135i, M140i, M2, M3, M4
- Vauxhall Astra VXR, Corsa VXR
- Honda Civic Type R
- Subaru Impreza WRX/STI
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
- Nissan 350Z, 370Z, GT-R
- Toyota GT86, Supra
- Mazda MX-5
And Many More – If you don’t see your vehicle listed, contact us! We can source LSDs for most performance and modified vehicles.
Real-World Benefits
On the Road
- Safer in wet and slippery conditions
- Better traction in snow and ice
- Reduced tyre wear (especially FWD)
- More predictable handling
- Enhanced driver confidence
On the Track
- Faster acceleration out of corners
- Reduced understeer/oversteer
- More consistent lap times
- Better tyre management
- Competitive advantage
In Motorsport
- Maximum traction in all conditions
- Improved stage/lap times
- Enhanced vehicle control
- Competition-proven reliability
- Rally-spec drive retention (Gripper)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will an LSD work with my traction control?
A: Yes! Both Quaife and Gripper LSDs are fully compatible with modern electronic stability and traction control systems.
Q: Do I need to upgrade my driveshafts?
A: For most road and track applications, standard driveshafts are adequate. For high-powered or hard motorsport use, we recommend uprated units.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Typical installation time is 1-2 days, including proper setup and testing.
Q: Can I change a Gripper’s setup later?
A: Yes! Gripper differentials can be reconfigured for different ramp angles, preload, and active plates by a competent specialist.
Q: Will an LSD make my car harder to drive?
A: Not at all. Both Quaife and Gripper road-spec LSDs are progressive and user-friendly, actually making the car easier and more predictable to drive quickly.
Q: Do I need special oil?
A: Quaife LSDs use standard transmission oil. Gripper units also use standard oils, though we may recommend specific specifications for your application.
Get Started Today
Transform your vehicle’s traction and performance with a premium Limited Slip Differential from Automotive Cardiff Limited.
Next Steps:
- Contact us for a free consultation
- Discuss your vehicle, usage, and performance goals
- Receive a detailed quote including parts and professional fitting
- Book your installation with our expert technicians
- Experience the dramatic improvement in traction and handling
Quaife ATB® – The benchmark in helical gear LSD technology
Gripper Differentials – Customisable traction for any application
Automotive Cardiff Limited – Your trusted LSD specialists
Put power where it matters. Put power to both wheels.
