Hey Everyone,
Sorry if this has been gone over already, I tried a few basic searches, but they didn't result in what I was hoping to get answered. Long story short I originally planned to LS1/2 my NB Miata, but that's just too tight of a fit and a bit too expensive for the kit (as opposed to the RX7).

At the moment I'm in the process of looking for a good FC car, so that I can begin the swap. Would love a FD, but they are a bit out of my price range.

My question: Is it worth waiting to find a good(my definition of good is clean exterior/interior) Turbo II car/GTU,GTU's, (which come with the beefier diff etc), or purchase a GXL(I would much prefer the 5 bolt so no base models) and than do a Turbo II or Ford 8.8 Diff Swap. At the moment I don't plan on running anything 'crazy' a hot cam LS1 or stock LS2.

The cost to put a Turbo II diff and half shafts isn't that much (figure under $1000), but its just one extra step. Purchasing a Stock Turbo II already has all that but it's a bit more costly off the bat.

For the guys running the Ford 8.8's How big of a difference does it make in the rear over the stock Turbo II. Anyone's .02 cents would be greatly appreciated, I keep going back and forth. It may be noteworthy to say I budgeted around $2000 for the car, is that to unreasonable?

Thanks,
Kevin

Again sorry if this is in the wrong section/has been answered numerous times etc.

 

good question, I have tried to break my one wheel wonder rear to have to decide

 

you should be able to get a TII diff+axles for ~400, maybe less if local or desperate seller.

The TII diff is plenty strong- rotary guys are in the 8's I believe on them? Most people swap in the Ford 8.8 for better gear ratios.

As far as which chassis to buyy, I would recommend buying the one that is closest to how you want it with paint/accessories/etc. Like if you want nice interior and a sunroof and all that, hold out for a pretty car with a blown motor. If you just want to race, get a base model S4 (no sunroof, manual windows, blah) and swap in the bigger brakes and diff.

 

Thanks for the information Josh. My original estimate for the diff and axles numbers came from a few different Ebay Listings, but its good to see that it really isn't that high, and is certainly something to be considered now. Also glad for the insight on the durability of the TII diff as well as a little more reasoning behind the Ford 8.8 swaps.

 

the big advantage with the domestic rear ends is the gear options... ford explorers came with a range of 3.27 3.55 3.73 all the way up to 4.10's

they're also extremely easily to come by, at any junk yard or wreckers you're almost guaranteed to find 2 or 3