Does anyone have any theories as to why the "sport" options did not include a limited slip differential?
Also, are the LDSs directly replaceable for stock?
Thanks for any thoughts.
Joe

 

because thats what mazda decided?

 

Well, I guess that's a good answer.
My thinking was that, if I were a potential buyer, the term "Sport Package" would have included things like LSD.
I guess that's just me, though.
Anyway, as to my second question, I admit that I am not as well informed/smart as most people here and have not done much research on the matter.
I thought, possibly, I could get some good LDS information while beginning a thread that would encourage speculation about the LDS thing.
Possibly, I was wrong.

 

i have no idea what these "LDS" things are that you keep talking about

 

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide ....

oh yeah, and limited slip differential, too.

 

The clutch style LSD from '88 (can't recall which model) is a direct bolt in to a open diff NA drivetrain. Axles and driveshaft are the same.

The Turbo diff will also bolt in but you'll need the matching axles and the driveshaft flange is different.

My theory about the sport question:

Like most of their rivals, Mazda had morphed the RX7 from it's harder core 1st gen origins into more of a GT car. A lot more luxury items than performance upgrades were added, I think the focus had turned to satisfying lard *** merkins who wanted power windows and sunroofs and AC and...etc.

If you consider the 2nd gen FC as a GT car, the "sport" options would cater more toward "personalization" than "performance". Tape stripes, rear louvers, bras and the like.

Remember that at the same time Mazda was selling the 2nd gen RXs they were developing it's replacement and practically nothing was carried over. Any performance upgrades for the FC were a dead end for the factory because the FD was totally different.

 

Won't all the NA diffs fit all of the NA cars? I bolted the Clutch type LSD out of my 86 GXL into my 90 GTU with no issues.

 

Yep NA to NA open/LSD is a direct swap

86-88 GXL, 88 GTU, 89-90 GTUs had the LSD rear, w/ the 89-90 being a 4.30, and AUTOMATIC GXLs being a 3.90. All else are 4.10. And don't confuse the 89-90 GTUs w/ the GTU... 2 different cars

I've always laughed at the fact the "sport" didn't come w/ an LSD.

 

Thanks all for the information!
Clokker, good (and well thought out) theory.
Landon, I'm not laughing about it but, seems kinda strange, to me.

 

Check my sport model thread & be sure to post pics of your car in there, if you haven't yet!