Cusco | High-Performance Chassis & Drivetrain Engineering
CUSCO Performance Parts: LSDs, Bracing and Chassis
CUSCO gear turns up on plenty of Civic Type Rs and GR Corollas, from a simple Type-OS strut bar through to full Safety 21 cage builds. It's a brand we recommend when a car needs real chassis stiffness or a proper mechanical LSD, not just a bolt-on badge. Everything below is stuff we genuinely sell and stand behind, whether the car is a weekend street car in Sydney or heading to a track day at The Bend.
Shop by Vehicle
- CUSCO for Honda Civic Type R
- CUSCO for Toyota GR Corolla
Shop by Product Type
- Limited Slip Differentials: Type-RS and Type-MZ LSDs
- Chassis Bracing: Type-OS strut tower bars, power braces and subframe reinforcement
- Suspension: sway bars (anti-roll bars) and adjustable trailing arms
- Roll Cages: Safety 21 street and competition cages
Why CUSCO
CUSCO builds parts around what they call "Total Car Tuning", the idea that drivetrain, chassis and suspension all need to work as one system. A lot of that development comes straight out of rally and circuit competition, which is why the LSD range in particular has stuck around unchanged in concept for decades: it works.
The Type-RS LSD uses coil springs for initial torque, giving a smoother, more progressive engagement that suits street driving and circuit work where you want predictable behaviour mid-corner. The Type-MZ uses cone springs instead, which gives higher initial torque and a sharper, more aggressive lockup. That makes it a better fit for drift and rally applications where you want the diff to bite hard and early.
Not every chassis is set up the same way for a Safety 21 cage. Some platforms take a bolt-in 4-point street cage without much drama, others need a full weld-in FIA-spec cage for genuine competition use. We'll talk through which option suits your car and how you intend to use it before you commit to anything.
Fitment & Installation
CUSCO strut braces and power braces are generally direct bolt-in for the platforms they're listed against, but LSD installs are a gearbox job and should go to a shop experienced with diff work, particularly around backlash and preload setup. Roll cage fitment depends heavily on your car's spec: door bar clearance, harness bar height and dash clearance all vary between sedan and hatch variants, so measure twice before ordering a cage. If you're not sure which LSD cam angle or spring rate suits your driving, get in touch before ordering.
Pair with the rest of your build
- DIXCEL brake pads and rotors
- Whiteline suspension and bushes
- Hardrace chassis and suspension arms
FAQ
What is the difference between CUSCO Type-RS and Type-MZ LSDs?
The Type-RS uses coil springs for initial pressure, giving a lower initial torque and smoother, more linear engagement, suited to street and circuit use. The Type-MZ uses cone springs for higher initial torque and a sharper, more aggressive engagement, often preferred for drifting or rally use.
Do CUSCO sway bars make a noticeable difference?
Yes. A CUSCO sway bar increases torsional stiffness, which reduces body roll without a big hit to ride comfort. The car sits flatter through corners, which helps tyre contact and overall stability.
Does my car need a 4-point cage or a full FIA cage?
It depends on how you use the car. A bolt-in 4-point Safety 21 cage suits street and club-level track days. Competition rally or circuit racing generally requires a weld-in FIA-compliant cage. Tell us how the car will be used and we can point you to the right option.
Will a CUSCO LSD suit my car for street driving?
The Type-RS is the more common choice for street and dual-purpose cars because of its smoother engagement. The Type-MZ's sharper lockup is more noticeable at low speed, so it's better suited to dedicated track, drift or rally cars.
