16 Valve 3.27:1 LSD Differential
In
my quest for more power, I purchased this W201 16 Valve 3.27:1 Limited
Slip differential.
I picked it up very cheap from Stockton Auto Dismantlers in California for
$350 including shipping. This is excellent way for any W201 owner to
increase their 0-60 times. This picture shows my stock, non-lsd
2.85:1 differential which, seeps a bit
The
axels were pulled to facilitate the install of the differential, upon
removal of the axels, it became apparent that the 1992 2.6l axels are not
going to fit the 87 16 valve differential, so it was off to the local
wrecker where I found a couple of 1990 2.6l axels. So sometime in
1991 or 1992, the axel design changed, so keep that in mind if you go to
install a 16 valve differential into your later model W201
A
inside view of the left rear axel as it was removed
Here you can see the left rear rotor minus the axel.
The
rear exhaust section needs to be removed so the differential can drop out.
Its best to use a transmission stand to help support the exhaust as you
remove it and also to support the rear differential as you remove it.
This
is rear flex disc, were almost ready to drop the differential
To
install the rear differential, you really need to remove your rear exhaust
section. This section was custom built for me and includes a OBX
rear muffler painted flat black and new pipe where the resonator used to
be.
Here
we see the rear of the car with no axels and no differential
The
old, non-lsd differential is on the left and the 16 valve LSD is on the
right. Notice the difference in axel mounting points?
This
view shows the cable run for the ABS sensor mounted in the rear
differential. Since my sensor and the 16 valve sensor appeared to be
different, I chose to use the 16 valve sensor. Checking after the
fact (via MB) it would appear that all the sensors have been superceded by
on MB part number. So, you can keep your original ABS sensor, no
need to switch.
Another
picture of the ABS speed sensor removed from the car. I added a bit
of split loom tubing to protect it a bit more.
The
16 valve differential in the process of being installed. No issues
here, just bolts right up to the stock location.
A
misc. picture of the old axels (1992) vs. the new axels (1990). One
of my old rear axel boots was cracked and needed replacement anyway. (used
some duct tape as a temp repair).
Are
for differential oils, I chose to use the Redline which has the proper
additive for LSD's already in it.
Were
all finished! I applied a liberal coating of high temp flat black
paint to the differential and surrounding area, just as a final
beautification.
