Jump to content

Diablo Rear Wheel Drive opinions


nautoncall
 Share

Recommended Posts

Guys, my car is at Evans getting refreshed. It's a 1997.5 Roadster. I was contemplating converting to RWD while there. Opinions? I used the search function and found some info but not enough to convince me and most was on the Murci.

 

Pros? Cons? Of course I'd keep the driveline.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I like it both ways. I'm 2WD at the moment. The VT was smooth and predictable, but still quick and stable. The 2WD feels just like a raw '91/92 car. The rear will step out a lot more easily and I don't even consider taking it out on wet roads. It will chatter or buck if you're not smooth with the mid-range throttle inputs. 2WD certainly livens up the chassis, but it's a matter of what you want to work with when you're driving because it's a noticeable change in personality. IIRC, you have other fun cars...so up to you if you want to keep the roadster on the chill side, or if you want to add another demanding ride to the stable. The difference in 0-60 is about a second.

 

Something that didn't get too much talk among the threads is how the conversion necessitated re-lowering the front end considerably without the weight of the front diff' and shafts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I like it both ways. I'm 2WD at the moment. The VT was smooth and predictable, but still quick and stable. The 2WD feels just like a raw '91/92 car. The rear will step out a lot more easily and I don't even consider taking it out on wet roads. It will chatter or buck if you're not smooth with the mid-range throttle inputs. 2WD certainly livens up the chassis, but it's a matter of what you want to work with when you're driving because it's a noticeable change in personality. IIRC, you have other fun cars...so up to you if you want to keep the roadster on the chill side, or if you want to add another demanding ride to the stable. The difference in 0-60 is about a second.

 

Something that didn't get too much talk among the threads is how the conversion necessitated re-lowering the front end considerably without the weight of the front diff' and shafts.

 

It didn't change my front end height at all. It just 150 lbs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Front end raises a bit. Since the Diablo has factory coilovers, lowering it is simple and quick. I left my first Murci's ride height alone after converting to 2WD for about 6 months and it raised it just enough that I didn't need to use nose lift often.

 

The Diablo and Murci characteristics are very similar and 2WD is my favorite mod, along with 99% of people who have done it. Everyone has their own driving preference and I drive my cars in the rain (used one in snow too and 2WD was useless) but I drive carefully, which is how I would drive if the car was AWD too. I'm biased (I make the best conversion parts :eusa_dance: ) but I highly suggest converting.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Agree with Whiteout 1000%.

 

I can't help but think that going to AWD in the mid-90's wasn't brought on by the lawyers, to keep drivers safer from rear engine vehicle antics and bad p.r. that would result.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2WD is so much easier on the clutch. Less slipping to get under way. Other than that, I didn't notice much difference on DRY roads.

Left the height alone, raised unnoticeable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2WD is so much easier on the clutch. Less slipping to get under way. Other than that, I didn't notice much difference on DRY roads.

Left the height alone, raised unnoticeable.

 

 

Same here. It seems a little more agile and it certainly feels better in parking lots. I'm sure its easier on the clutch.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks guys. Why is Lamborghini the only company that predominately makes everything AWD?

 

Only?

 

Subaru? Audi? ;-)

 

Also- if you're dumpstering the AWD stuff.. send it this way ;-) I was planning on making my car 2wd, but if the AWD setup came along, i'd include it. :icon_mrgreen:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Only?

 

Subaru? Audi? ;-)

 

Also- if you're dumpstering the AWD stuff.. send it this way ;-) I was planning on making my car 2wd, but if the AWD setup came along, i'd include it. :icon_mrgreen:

 

 

Yes!!! Audi= Lamborghini. I don't think I've ever seen Subaru and Lamborghini used in comparison. Exotic companies are not embracing the AWD for fun driving experience and competitive racing. Ferrari...Porsche GT2,GT3, Viper, Mclaren, new Ford GT, etc. Is any road race consistent winner/contender AWD?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes!!! Audi= Lamborghini. I don't think I've ever seen Subaru and Lamborghini used in comparison. Exotic companies are not embracing the AWD for fun driving experience and competitive racing. Ferrari...Porsche GT2,GT3, Viper, Mclaren, new Ford GT, etc. Is any road race consistent winner/contender AWD?

Audi in the 90's, Rally Cars and that is about it.

 

258476_215039405193478_112400115457408_7

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Unless you are driving the hard enough to where the AWD helps, I would make the car 2WD. Remove the VT shafts and diff, and install the SV axle pins.

 

You should also talk to Evans about the upgraded spline shaft for the Diablo VT gearbox. My Diablo was the first in the world to get it. There is a weakness in one of the shafts due to the design - so it is prone to failure. MANY VT owners have just replaced the part over and over.. but there is a fix. When the failure happens, there is a potential to grenade the gearbox due to pieces of hardened metal shaft moving around in the oil.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a 1998 Diablo SV which is obviously RWD and loved it! I would love to do it on my LP640.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...