Hey,

So the miata guys say OEM 84-88 NA RX-7 clutch-type LSDs fit miatas. I didn't know 1st and 2nd gen RX-7s had the same rear ends, and they changed the rear end in the middle of the generations. Is this true?

If so, which 1st gens have the lsd, GS, GSL, etc?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

hm, MAYBE the gsl-se's might fit a 2nd gen rear end, i havent looked at how they fit, on the other hand, the gsl does have one but has a different bolt pattern, those where the only 2 with lsd's

Snake Eyes<l><l>

 

Either i have been smoking crack, or you have. 84-88's
not going to happen. 1st gens (all) use a 'live axle'
that is a rigid housing and a 3rd member. No IRS !!
1st gens stop at 85, the models with a LSD are GSL, and GSL-SE. the SE's are 84-85 and all GSL's during the duration of the series. The 2ed gens use a complete different (kind) of rearend, I, independent,R ,REAR . S , suspention. IRS. The 84-85 rearends use a larger diameter axle then all the other years. 84-85 axles will not fit earlier housings, and vice versa.Remember ! you don't have to swap the whole rearend for an LSD, just the 3rd member( pumkin)and 84-85 have a different flange.

 

I'm not talking about the whole housing being the same, just the differential inside.

Here is a link to what I was refering to
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/Drivetrain.html

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Here is the quote if you dont feel like clicking

 

They are talking about the -SE's LSD.

The GSLs had LSD as well, but it's set up for the smaller axles of the carbed cars.

 

So only GSL-SE's for the first gens will work, anyone know which trim lines to look for in 86-88's? Or can the mods move this to the second generation forum?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

The smaller GSL 12a axles were '81-'83 cars. The '84-85 GSL 12a & 13b GSL-SE share the same alxe housings.

John

 

I didn't read the link,, And i don't know the size of the MX5 axles. and i don't know about ' how ' a 2ed gen's
3rd member would fit either. but,,, 84-85 rearends use a larger axle diameter then earlier years with or without a LSD. The flange for the u-joint is different. The size of the 3rd members are the same size(insides) your wanting to use a LSD, that uses clutches in a MX5 ?

 

what's a Torsen?

 

A TORque SENsitive differential that uses worm gears instead of clutch plates - it's not really a Limited Slip differential, as it never locks... it just sends power to the wheel with the most traction.

 

ah, thanks Manntis!

 

will the lsd off of my 84gsl go onto my 85gs?

 

yup

 

Well, it's alot cheaper than getting a torsen off another miata. If i get one and rebuild it with new friction plates, it would be pretty good, no?

 

The stock Torsen L/S in the 1994 MX-5 fits in 1984 to 1991 RX-7s but not in the TURBO II models.

Yes a well rebuilt differential with new friction plates and clutches should work pretty damn good.