NA/NB which ones had an LSD?

[300bhp/ton]

Is there an easy way to tell which variants of either the NA or NB came stock with an LSD?

Were there different types of LSD fitted or are they all TorSens?

Lastly do any of the variants rust less than the others?

Thanks.

[snotrag]

NA 1.6 Models - Small Diff casing - Either Open or Viscous Fluid Locking Diff. Dependent on Spec. Viscous diff has mild effect, some do still work though. Adequate for the power.

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NA 1.8 - All 1.8 upgraded to larger Diff casing, stronger. Required if any power mods are done.
Either Open diff, or Torsen Locking Diff.
Torsen fitted on many Japanese Special Editions and some Eurorpean 'S' versions. Two final drive ratios available dependent on year.

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NB - All 1.6 and 1.8 use the larger diff casing and ring gear.
NB 1.6 are all open diff.
Early NB 1.8iS models have Torsen. Many JDM editions also have Torsen. Standard Cars open.

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NB2 (Facelift). Initially same as Pre-facelift NB. Late model (Approx 2004 on) have Fuji Diff, in place of the Torsen, prone to self destructing.

NB2 with 6 speeds use a different Final Drive incompatible with a 5 speed Box unless you want to create a land speed record car.

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Google 'Diff spotters guide' on Miata.net.

Visual inspection is only foolproof with drivehsafts removed.

The presence of either one piece, or two piece driveshafts is NOT an indciator of LSD or not, unlike common misconception.


My number one bit of advice given to all the kids who ask onfacebook if there car has an LSD or not - if you cannot tell when pulliing out of the first T u
junction you come out, why do you care. It is immediately obvious.

[snotrag]

300bhp/ton said:

Is there an easy way to tell which variants of either the NA or NB came stock with an LSD?
.

Drive it, you can tell straight away.

300bhp/ton said:

Lastly do any of the variants rust less than the others?

Mk1s rust less than Mk2s. Generally. They are all prone to it. Massive variation.

Ignote the import/UK thing, most imported Mk1s have been in the Uk for 15 years or so anyway.

[300bhp/ton]

Thanks.

Afraid I can't drive it as I'm looking to buy, but only really care about ones with a Torsen. Don't know if you've seen the Monsta Miata build thread. But this has really appealed and I'm amazed how cheap the cars are.

But it will need a usable LSD to be any good on anything slippery, was hoping there would be an easy way to ID a specific model that always had the torsen.

Just for my clarity, the 6 speed cars, could they be open or torsen? As looking for a 6 speeder makes it something easy to search on, or ask a seller before viewing. Also some sellers may not be keen on test driving in a manner to check that it has an LSD.

I suppose lastly, can they be retro fitted easily?

It might not go down with the purist, but I've got the bit between my teeth and want to have a go at building something like this. But I want it to be a usable good example that will perform how I want it too.

[snotrag]

Doddle to retrofit. Can be done on a driveway in an hour or two.

Forget the diff, buy the best chassis you can find. Sort the diff later. Loads available at breakers.