CUSCO Type RS Limited Slip Differential | 4A-GE Manual (1984-89 MR2 / 1987-91 Corolla)

CUSCO Type RS Limited Slip Differential

For 1984–1989 Toyota MR2 AW11 and 1987–1991 Toyota Corolla AE92 coupe equipped with naturally aspirated 4A-GE engines, original manual transaxles and open differentials.

Overview

The CUSCO Type RS limited slip differential gives the naturally aspirated 1984–1989 JDM and 1985–1989 U.S.-Market Toyota MR2 AW11, and 1987–1991 JDM Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno AE92 coupe or 1988–1991 U.S.-Market Corolla GT-S AE92 coupe, a clutch-type alternative to its original open differential. It limits the difference in speed between the driven wheels under load, helping put power down when one tire has less grip.

Choose between supplied 1-way and 1.5-way configurations to suit how you want the car to behave as you lift off the throttle and enter a corner. Both use the Type RS spring-assisted, low-initial-torque design.

Key Features

• Clutch-type limited slip: Resists excessive speed difference between the driven wheels to support traction under power.
• Type RS spring design: Coil springs provide initial preload rather than the cone-spring arrangement used by Type MZ.
• Low initial torque: The Type RS design balances progressive engagement with locking response as drive torque rises.
• 1-way option: Acceleration-side locking without the deceleration-side locking action of a 1.5-way differential.
• 1.5-way option: Acceleration-side locking with milder locking on deceleration for a different corner-entry response.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota MR2 — AW11 / MK1

• 1984–1989: JDM / Naturally aspirated 4A-GE / Original five-speed manual transaxle with open differential
• 1985–1989: U.S.-Market / Naturally aspirated 4A-GE / Original five-speed manual transaxle with open differential

Toyota Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno — AE92 Coupe

• 1987–1991: JDM / Naturally aspirated 4A-GE / Original manual front transaxle with open differential

Toyota Corolla GT-S — AE92 Coupe

• 1988–1991: U.S.-Market / Naturally aspirated 4A-GE / Original manual front transaxle with open differential

Fitment Notes

• Not for automatic transmissions or factory supercharged 4A-GZE transaxle configurations.
• Original naturally aspirated manual/open-differential configuration required. Engine, transaxle, differential or axle conversions require separate fitment assessment.
• The 1-way option is a 1-way-only model. The 1.5-way option is supplied in 1.5-way form and belongs to CUSCO's 1-way/1.5-way configurable family; the two choices are not interchangeable configurations of the same unit.
• Clutch-type LSD operation can bring low-speed chatter, tire scrub and different cornering behavior. Quiet operation is not guaranteed.

Product Specifications

Brand: CUSCO
Series: Type RS
Differential Type: Mechanical, multi-plate limited slip
Application: AW11 rear transaxle / AE92 front transaxle
Original Differential: Open
1-Way Cam Options: 35° / 45°
1.5-Way Supplied Cam Angles: 55° acceleration / 20° deceleration
Quantity: One differential per selected configuration

Which Limited Slip Differential Should You Choose?

1-Way — Best for Freer Off-Throttle Corner Entry

Choose 1-Way if you want traction assistance under power without additional deceleration-side locking as you enter corners. It is a natural starting point for a street-driven or autocross AW11 or AE92 when smoother off-throttle cornering is a priority.

1.5-Way — Best for Drivers Who Prefer Some Deceleration Locking

Choose 1.5-Way if you want some differential locking while slowing into corners and prefer a more connected response under engine braking. This can suit track-focused driving, but it changes how the car responds off throttle and is not automatically the better choice for every driver.

Type RS vs. Type MZ — Which Locking Feel Do You Prefer?

The CUSCO Type RS prioritizes smoother everyday operation with lower initial locking resistance, making it an appealing choice for mixed street and spirited driving.

For drivers who prefer stronger initial locking and a firmer clutch-type response, consider the CUSCO Type MZ Limited Slip Differential. Its cone-plate design produces higher initial locking torque, giving it a different driving feel from the Type RS. Both designs are offered in 1-Way and 1.5-Way configurations.

Our Recommendation: For most street-driven and occasional autocross AW11s or AE92s, start with the Type RS 1-Way for its smoother, acceleration-focused behavior. Choose Type RS 1.5-Way if some deceleration-side locking is part of your handling preference. Consider Type MZ if you specifically want stronger initial locking rather than assuming either design is automatically the higher-performance choice.

Available Configurations

1-Way

Includes:

• (1) CUSCO Type RS limited slip differential

1.5-Way

Includes:

• (1) CUSCO Type RS limited slip differential