Region: WDCR
Car #: sm 19
Year : 93 Posts: 199
Status: Offline
posted
hey guys, Mom finally gave my father and I the okay to build an sm/track car. So like the sensible people my father and I are, we chose the miata. We were wondering what year we should try to start with because from what i understand they have different LSD's or none at all. any info is appreciated. thanks!
-------------------- How do I fit this ls7 into my mia... nevermind.
Region: Houston
Car #: 91
Year : 1991 Posts: 2171
Status: Offline
posted
Congrats and big hugs to mom.
Honestly, I think the costs will end up being about the same. A later car (94+ may come with a Torsen), but the additional cost will be equal to an early car plus the cost of a Mazdacomp clutch diff. If you have the money, get a 99, or maybe a 94.
I expect the most common advice you'll get is buy the straightest Miata you can find and start building. If it has a VSLD, you can start learning on it, but you'll eventually want a Torsen or a clutch LSD. If it has a Torsen, that's a bonus, but you'll only find those on later, more costly cars.
Whatever else you do, join Mazda Motorsports. Nobody, I mean NOBODY, is more useful and important to motorsports enthusiasts than Mazda. They are the best.
Autocross the car if you don't start racing immediately. If only to keep your Mazda Motorsports membership up.
-------------------- Do I turn my 99 Hard S into a killerfast SM or seek a donor?
In the later years of the NA Miata (1.8L), the LSD came with the popular equipment packages, so if it has power windows, etc, it probably has the Torsen.
The absolute best way to know is to call Mazda Motorsports and have them check the VIN against the records. They are amazingly fantastically helpful.
-------------------- Do I turn my 99 Hard S into a killerfast SM or seek a donor?
Region: socal
Year : 1991 Posts: 396
Status: Offline
posted
That is the torsen from a 5-speed 99+. You can't use a 6-speed torsen. It has the wrong gear ratio. You need the 4.3. If you have the 4.3 gears from a 99+ oppen diff you can install them on any torsen. You will have to do a complete swap which includes the drive shaft, both axel shafts (half shafts), 94+ diff housing as well as the pumpkin. You will have to have the diff installed properly in the pumpkin.
Region: socal
Year : 1991 Posts: 396
Status: Offline
posted
If you are only woried about the lsd It may be harder to find "the right car". You can always swap out the oppen diff. with a lsd. on the 94-05 all you need is a torsen with the right gear ratio. They can be found fairly easily. I found two in one salvage yard. One of each ratio. So they are out there.
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