Use of Impreza rear diff in bike engined car

[Max Attacker]

As the title suggests, anyone know if the Impreza rear diff unit (poss with shafts) has been considered for the back of a bike engined car?
Or is it a no go.
I know of the freelander diff etc but was looking at alternatives
Thanks in advance
Max

[Avocet]

I've heard that the Landrover Freelander has an amazingly small and light rear diff if that's any good?

[busa_rush]

It needs to be low weight and have a ratio around 3.2:1 to 3.4:1, depending on your preference for top speed.

[ferg]

I've seen one in use on a Mk1 Escort.

[Mikey G]

The Impreza diff is quite long in comparison to say a Ford diff, not sure how that would effect the propshaft layout.
Its also fairly small in diameter but i'm not sure on the diff ratio's available.

[Max Attacker]

Not too worried about the physical characteristics like length etc at this stage, just lloking for something other than Sierra.
The Freelander is cute and light but the LSD for it is pricey and they do appear a little fragile but that of course may be the mounting arrangement etc
The Sierra ones are all re manufactured/reconditioned and are a little lacking in quality compared to the proper Ford built units of old.
There would, I suppose, also be lexus units but I guess they are heavy, same applies to BMW etc.
Don't know about CRV or RAV 4 or others though.
Any other suggestions appreciated
Max

[Max Attacker]

Just had my own thought, MX5 diffs.
Are they available with LSD as an OE option, do they have bolt in CV joints etc
Anyone ever used one or have a photo?
Thanks

[RushV8]

Don't think MX5 diff will be up to the job (if you are going for > 150 BHP or hard driving / track use). MX5 is a low power car, and I know of people who have supercharged or turbo'd them to get > 170BHP and the diffs have failed prematurely under weekend track day use.

My 4.6ltr Dax Rush V8 has an LSD Ford cossie sierra diff - compact but not exactly lightweight , but v. strong and can be geared to give several final drive ratios. I think Toyota Celica Supra diffs are worth a look too.

Good luck.

[busa_rush]

Have a look at BMW diffs too, the 316/318 that came after the E30, whatever number BMW gave it, had a reasonably light diff, there's a BMW breaker in Kent just off the M20/M2 (can't remember exactly) who has pallets full of diffs, can tell you which ratio was fitted to which cars and has them all in stock along with suitable drive shafts. He's not a typical breakers yard type either, very friendly and helpful. I'll see if I can dig out some detail.

Maybe by mixing and matching you can get what you need ?

[Locoblade]

I seem to recall a discussion about the Scoob diff on some other BEC forum a while back and someone said it had a steel casing and was considerably heavier than a Sierra diff, let alone a Freelander, so not really suitable for a BEC.
All second hand info though, never seen one myself in the flesh

[dern]

My 4.6 v8 has a sierra 7" xr4x4 LSD and it's been good for 8000 miles so far.