Phantom Grip (my impressions)

Cameron Shaw cameron.shaw@mindspring.com
Thu, 6 Feb 2003 19:42:44 -0600


Hey Kyle,

You mentioned my comments on the Phantom Grip with the green springs. Well,
here's the full story.

While assembling the NX after the install, I can honestly say I had pretty low
expectations in the "feel" department. I mean I expected to feel some
difference but with a 141K stock LSD and the rather humble looking device, I
wasn't expecting in to be anything but subtle. Big mistake. Ben and I took the
car out for a test run on the first curvy road we could find. My first
impressions were to take it easy as there were still patches of snow and ice
on the roads. After the first two corners, I said screw the snow, this thing
is incredible. It felt exactly like Ben's Spec V with the Helical LSD. For
those that haven't driven a diff like this, it feels like the rear end has
broken loose when pitching the car into a corner. It takes a moment for your
ass to register that all is well back there. Instead, the front wheels are
pulling you around the turn in a much tighter arc than previously possible.You
would normally start to feel the front end plow.

Anyway, so far things look promising. Right now, I'm experiencing some massive
torque steer, but, I suspect my toe is out after dropping the struts for the
install. Hopefully I'll have some interesting news after next weekend's event
at VIR (3.25mile road course), which BTW you need to make a trip too. You can
use my NX as long as you don't blow the engine. :-)

Cameron

PS. I'll follow you in my 350Z to make sure you don't try any funny stuff. :)