350i Diffs

[John042]

Hi, did TVR offer from new Limited Diffs' on the 1988 350i's? The reason for the question is that that the plate on the wing of mine displays "Century Oil LSD? On previous cars with LSD Diffs there is a marking on the drain plug. Mine only has plates secured to the rear diff cover with "354" PL which I assume is the gear ratio? Thanks for any info' J C.

[anonymous-user]

John042 said:

Hi, did TVR offer from new Limited Diffs' on the 1988 350i's? The reason for the question is that that the plate on the wing of mine displays "Century Oil LSD? On previous cars with LSD Diffs there is a marking on the drain plug. Mine only has plates secured to the rear diff cover with "354" PL which I assume is the gear ratio? Thanks for any info' J C.

TVR offered a Torsen Diff on the early 390s.

The diff tag you have on yours however is for a Salisbury 4HU PowerLok (an LSD) diff ratio is 3.54:1. The PowerLok has been used on many TVRs since the mid 60s.

[KKson]

My 1986 390 and 1988 350i both have Powerlok diffs fitted.

[John042]

Thanks, therefore do they need LSD oi ie for friction materialsl? Rather than standard 80/90 Diff Oil? Cheers J C.

[KKson]

Yes, I always top mine up with decent quality LSD oil.

[John042]

Thanks Keith. J C.

[adam quantrill]

The PL plate is PowerLok - LSD.

Instead of topping up, drain and refill. If the diff is off the car (or the car can be tilted) there's a pocket of oil in the nose of the diff. When draining get the nose up as high as possible for a couple of days to allow that pocket to drain. Ideally put the input shaft vertical.

When refilling, check the oil after the first run and top up to the fill plug as that pocket will refill.

[John042]

Thanks Adam, vehicle is up on axle stands so level. Should be correct level after filling with correct LSD oil? J C.