1.8 LSD identification

[MX5_SDV]

Alright guys, i'm building a westfield SDV based on a 1995 1.8 MX5, i'm trying to work out if it has a LSD or not.

How can you tell without taking it apart?

[hornetrider]

Hmmm, I may be wrong, but I think it has an LSD if you lift the rear wheels off the ground, spin one wheel and the opposite wheel then spins the opposite way.

[GHW]

Taking it apart is the only way, AFAIK. The casings for the open diff and the LSD are identical. Lifting it off the ground and turning the 'shafts to identify the LSD won't work 'cos it's a Torsen diff, and with no resistance to movement they act just like an open diff.

Apparently if you can get the drain/fill plugs out you might be able to see the gubbins inside sufficiently to identify the Torsen... but I can't verify that.

[anonymous-user]

When you strip it down and have the drive shafts out of the diff, look through from one side to the other. If it's a clear hole, it's a Torsen. If there's a shaft running through, it's an open diff. More detail.

[MX5_SDV]

alright, thats pretty simple then, i've got a shaft runnig across the inside, so a open diff.

Where can i get a torsen type? is there any specialist breakers?

[anonymous-user]

Depends how much you want to spend... Most breakers are wising up to the fact that the Torsens are sought after and prices are going up because of that and many will only sell diff, prop and half shafts as a set (because those are the bits you need to upgrade the 1.6 MX5 to a Torsen). Are you after a specific ratio? They're available in (from memory) 4.3:1, 4.1:1, 3.9:1 and 3.6:1. Off the top of my head, Dandy cars and PH Sportscars generally have them available if you don't mind spending the money. Otherwise, look for an import 1.8 in any breakers and hope they don't realise what they're sitting on. Fire me an email if you want rid of the open diff.