C5 Differential
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C5 Differential
Hi guys.
We are building a electric race car with two motors. One motor will drive the front wheels, the other will drive the rear wheels. We're using Corvette suspension parts so we believe that the Vette C5 differential with 3,9 reduction ratio will also be a good choice. Weight is a very importaint issue for us. Does anyone know how much a diff weights?
Is it a limited slip differential?
One motor will give 1500 Nm torque and 500 hp. Can a standard diff take all that power?
We don't use a gearbox nor clutch, the motors are directly bolted on the differential.
Or someone has a better idea?
Thanks and greetings from Croatia (Europe)!
We are building a electric race car with two motors. One motor will drive the front wheels, the other will drive the rear wheels. We're using Corvette suspension parts so we believe that the Vette C5 differential with 3,9 reduction ratio will also be a good choice. Weight is a very importaint issue for us. Does anyone know how much a diff weights?
Is it a limited slip differential?
One motor will give 1500 Nm torque and 500 hp. Can a standard diff take all that power?
We don't use a gearbox nor clutch, the motors are directly bolted on the differential.
Or someone has a better idea?
Thanks and greetings from Croatia (Europe)!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 22
From: Frederick Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The diff weighs 78 LBS dry. It is a limited slip diff. Yes the diff will handle 500 + HP.
Just remember that you will need a 27 splined shaft long enough to slide through to the pinion gear located at the back of the diff.
Just remember that you will need a 27 splined shaft long enough to slide through to the pinion gear located at the back of the diff.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 655
Likes: 5
From: Daleville Indiana
I would recommend that you go with a C6 differential just for the case strength. Also, you really should install Quaife torque biasing differential. The reason being is that on the front drive tires if you install a clutch pack type differential you will have severe steering issues.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
The 500hp is not the problem. I would be more concerned with the 1500NM (i.e. 1100 ft-lbs) of torque. Electric motor torque is generally instantaneous, so that 1100ft-lbs will be immediate. It will not build up like many cars. There may also be a secondary concern of the RPM that can be sustained since electric motors tend to spin much higher than a traditional ICE.
Last edited by chaase; Apr 8, 2010 at 01:16 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 655
Likes: 5
From: Daleville Indiana
The 500hp is not the problem. I would be more concerned with the 1500NM (i.e. 1100 ft-lbs) of torque. Electric motor torque is generally instantaneous, so that 1100ft-lbs will be immediate. It will not build up like many cars. There may also be a secondary concern of the RPM that can be sustained since electric motors tend to spin much higher than a traditional ICE.
Thanks,
T.J.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Just wanted to make sure the extra high TQ wasn't forgotten. I assume the high RPM isn't a problem either. Not sure about their motor specs, but 14-15k RPM is common and 20K is not unreasonable.
Its not that I don't believe you, part of it is for my own knowledge. I am a big fan of electric propulsion.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I would recommend that you go with a C6 differential just for the case strength. Also, you really should install Quaife torque biasing differential. The reason being is that on the front drive tires if you install a clutch pack type differential you will have severe steering issues.
I have purchased some components from Shaun (SMC Performance). He recommended me to contact RPM Transmissions about this order. Did he already informed you about this project?
It doesn't have to be a C5 diff, I'm looking for the best option (within a reasonable price of course)
The 500hp is not the problem. I would be more concerned with the 1500NM (i.e. 1100 ft-lbs) of torque. Electric motor torque is generally instantaneous, so that 1100ft-lbs will be immediate. It will not build up like many cars. There may also be a secondary concern of the RPM that can be sustained since electric motors tend to spin much higher than a traditional ICE.
Btw. The car will be very light - 1050 kg.
Thanks again
