MX5Ireland

Hello all
I'm in the middle of work on my mk1 which I understood was fitted with a Torsan lsd but I've taken it out of its housing and it looks to me that it may be open
Does anyone have a photo of what a Torsan looks like inside , no point in doing donuts or spinning on grass and Tarmac as the car is in pieces !
Thanks in advance
Brian

Here is a Mk1 Torsen.

Hi, here is how mine look like.

This might help too :

http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/

Hello all and thanks very much for your input
I've had some advice from Robert McGuire and it looks like I've an open diff ....ahhhhhhh
I'm going to try and upload a picture so you all can see
Thanks again
Brian

Yep, Looks like an open diff...

Can someone explain to me the difference between the diff's available.

Quick one..

1. Open diff (1.6, 1.8 MK1, 2 & 3)
2. Viscous diff (Mk1 & Mk2 1.6) Has limited locking potential and with age gets less effective (only useful on the road to slightly improve rear traction)
3. Torsen 1(Mk1 1.8 ('94 - '98) Major improvement over viscous and very forgiving (good for road & motorsport)
4. Torsen 2 (Mk2 1.8 ('98 - '00) Modified to make production simpler, doesn't have as good a pre-load (i.e. will not lock the wheels together as much for improved traction)
5. Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Super-LSD (Mk2.5 (2000 - 2005) More money saving I'd say. This is a metal cone 'clutch' system and a proper POS (Ok for road, no real use in motorsport)

Thanks for the explanation piers14. So what's the best all round diff then. What do we all want or does it vary if you use your car for road only or if you do some track time.

Of the standard OEM diff's the Mk1 Torsen is best, with the Mk2 torsen only slightly behind. The both work well on the road and on track.

thats a very good explanation piers , thanks a million
must now go looking for a torsan !!!!
brian