I'm going to order an 02 SS this week and want to know what the difference between the two rear ends? I have an 01 with the zexel and it seems plenty good. None of the dealers around here have one to try. I'm not into drag racing just crusin' around so I don't need anything extreme. I like the AAM cover but if there ins't much difference between the two I may skip on it. Also someone told me with the auburn its nearly impossible to smoke em....is that true? Even with a 6 speed? Thanks!
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
The auburn is for the higher ratios, and word is a bit more trouble than the Zexel.
That said, if i had it to do over again I think I would go for a higher gears than the 3.42, 6th is a little too high. You can however get higher gears later on the Zexel by doing a gear swap.
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
I ordered mine with it on the understanding that is was better for AutoX and road courses. It's performed fine in those arenas, but I haven't had the Torsen to compare.
The factory gear ratio's are the same (3.42's with the 6 speed). As to not being able to smoke 'em ... that's a joke ... they smoke just fine
That having been said, if I were to do it again, I'd stay with the Torsen, and put the money for the Auburn and gear change towards an aftermarket 12 bolt rear end.
Posted by amy00ss (Member # 106) on :
I have the Zexel in mine. I have not done any type of racing with mine so I can't comment on how it performs in those areas...but I have had no problems with it just driving around.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
For what you've described, the Torsen should be fine for you. Save your money for other mods.
We have the Auburn, and it smokes 'em just fine!
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
Thanks for the responses. I think I'm going to skip that option on the order sheet. In SLP's goodie book I see you can purchase the AAM cover for 90 bucks which is what I will do.
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
quote:Originally posted by MM: In SLP's goodie book I see you can purchase the AAM cover for 90 bucks which is what I will do.
Be warned, it's not a bolt-on if you want the cooling to be functional. I bought it to replace the AAM cover that comes with the Auburn (I wanted the drain plug) the instructions seemed pretty complex (for me anyway). Fortunately because I already had the cover it was a straight bolt-on.
Posted by DROPTAWP (Member # 865) on :
MM,
Not being able to "smoke'em" with an the Auburn? Total rubbish! The person who told you that has his/her facts wrong!
The main difference between the Auburn Gear and the Zexel Torque Sensing differentials is that the Auburn Gear diff uses conical clutches to tranfer the torque to the rear wheels where as the Zexel TorSen uses helical gears.
When you are making your ordering choice, keep in mind that the clutches in the Auburn will eventually wear out ( $$$$$! ). Where as the TorSen will last you the life of the car ( providing you don't break it! ). If your driving application will be the 'Saturday night cruise', then the TorSen is more than adequate! The $899.00 for the SLP Auburn Gear diff option would be a waste of your hard earned money. You could put that money towards a brake upgrade! GM brakes are not the best money can buy ( if ya know what I mean ).
The AAM diff cover that comes with the SLP Auburn Gear package ( Y2Y ) has no oil drain plug and the AAM diff cover that you can purchase from SLP Performance Parts has a gear oil drain plug. I wonder why the difference . Appearently, if you purchase the SLP P.P. AAM cover, you have to do "minor modifications" to install. It's not a 'bolt on' part. Call SLP P.P. and ask what the 'minor modifications' are before you buy.
Hope this info helps with your ordering decision.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Hey Drawp, excellent explanation, thanks for the info!
Posted by DROPTAWP (Member # 865) on :
quote:Originally posted by DaddySS: Hey Drawp, excellent explanation, thanks for the info!
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
Thanks all for the good info. I placed my order last Friday. Now I just gotta wait till the dealer gets a camaro allocated. I dind't get the auburn and plan to put the money towards some nice bolt on goodies. First on my list is that nice looking corsa exhaust. I got all the other SLP goodies except auburn and the power pak. I may or may not get the AAM cover. If I do I may have the dealer or some rear end shop install the rear cover if there is some modifications that need to be done.
). If your driving application will be the 'Saturday night cruise', then the TorSen is more than adequate! The $899.00 for the SLP Auburn Gear diff option would be a waste of your hard earned money. You could put that money towards a brake upgrade! GM brakes are not the best money can buy ( if ya know what I mean 
. Appearently, if you purchase the SLP P.P. AAM cover, you have to do "minor modifications" to install. It's not a 'bolt on' part. Call SLP P.P. and ask what the 'minor modifications' are before you buy.
