Which MX-5s have an LSD?

[HereBeMonsters]

Decided to finally bite the bullet and get myself one, as the diesel I bought for a winter hack isn't returning the MPG I would have thought it would, so why not get a nice convertible for the summer?

Definitely going for a 1.8, a Mk2 if I can find one for my budget (max £3.5k) but I'm not sure which ones have the LSD or not. I presume the 1.8 S (the one with the 6 gears?) has, but they're fairly rare and unlikely to come in under budget for a decent one.

Wouldn't mind a later Mk1 as I like pop-up headlights, but they're an absolute minefield with the imports/UK versions, different power outputs etc. Basically I'd like one with a decent interior - leather etc. Do any of them have electric hoods btw? Although LSD is first in order of preference.

Thanks in advance for advice!

[HereBeMonsters]

Howard- said:

Get a late mk1 1.8 if you like them, and plenty of the imports will have an LSD, although I'd question the need for one unless you're a fan of drifting

I'm a fan of hanging the arse out around wet roundabouts in work's Z4.

Seriously though, I'll be doing a couple of trackdays in it, and taking it to the 'ring etc. so LSD is a must as far as I'm concerned.

[HereBeMonsters]

MX-5 Lazza said:

HereBeMonsters said:

Seriously though, I'll be doing a couple of trackdays in it, and taking it to the 'ring etc. so LSD is a must as far as I'm concerned.

Any MX5 will happily hang its tail out regardless of LSD. If you want to hold it out there and balance the drift using the throttle then you will need LSD but bear in mind the MX5 isn't a power-house so it needs a fair bit of work and some silly angles to be able to hold it sideways for long

Well if I get on with the car (and no reason to suppose I won't) it'll get forced induction over the winter. I'm not going to turn it into a drift machine, but I prefer the balance and handling an LSD offers, especially on trackdays. Basically I'd rather start off with a decent base than have to chop and change it about at a later date.

Are they all Torsen diffs? Or are there some variants?

ETA: Thanks for post above - looks like a later 1.8 is what to go for. Probably a Eunos I would reckon, how many RS-Limiteds are there in the UK?

[HereBeMonsters]

phil_cardiff said:

Looks like my little 1998 1.8iS with torsen lsd will be up for sale in late April/May. Significantly less than your £3.5k budget too.

That might be ideal, although I have to get rid of at least one of my 205s first!

[HereBeMonsters]

Is it just the Mk2 that has the six speed 'box?

[HereBeMonsters]

phil_cardiff said:

HereBeMonsters said:

phil_cardiff said:

Looks like my little 1998 1.8iS with torsen lsd will be up for sale in late April/May. Significantly less than your £3.5k budget too.

That might be ideal, although I have to get rid of at least one of my 205s first!

Feel free to drop me a PM about it at anytime.

Were you specifically after a 6 speed box? Mine is 5 speed.

Only because I've never owned a car with more (or indeed less) than 5 forward gears.

Also, I've never owned a car that goes "plip" on a keyfob to unlock the doors. Does yours go "plip"?