mx5 diff problems

[Talonmotorsport]

Did Westfield have to redesign the back end of their car to accommodate the cast ali cover? The whole point of this cover is that it allows the use of the mx5 diff to be fitted to a standard book spec chassis with out a major redesign.
As for the cooling effect of the fins on the the mazda casting they are there due to the limited amount of oil that it contains, the oil used in the diff does get warm during normal use and should be changed every 30,000 miles or so. If you compare the amount of oil that the fabricated cover holds to the Mazda item I'm hoping that the extra capacity should keep the temp down. Those that have any concerns about diff oil cooling then you could always duct passing air towards the diff the same as a race car has brake cooling ducting.

[Short]

But I thought the 1.6 diffs were not finned? or am I wrong?

If they are, I understand there smaller, and would generate less heat, but with the lightweight chassis of the roadster, they wont be under as much stress, so should in theory generate less heat.

[Stot]

There are 1.6 with and without fins. Mine has fins.

Phils box has a lot more oil in it though as the internals wont be formed around the diff gears the same way the OEM one is so theres more dead space. This will help a lot with cooling.

Cheers
Stot

[Short]

is it more of an heating issue affecting the diff internals, or the heat degrading the oil? If its the latter, I cant personally see a problem.

[Talonmotorsport]

Today after an hour and a half of trying to undo the bolts that hold the ali back bone to the diff nose I gave up and reached for the grinder, big Ammer and the drift. Long storey short the out put shafts bolt on type for LSD diffs are the same as the push in units so the fab'ed diff cover fits both.

[Short]

Phil - Lefty loosy, Righty tighty

[Davidbolam]

Originally Posted by Talonmotorsport

Today after an hour and a half of trying to undo the bolts that hold the ali back bone to the diff nose I gave up and reached for the grinder, big Ammer and the drift. Long storey short the out put shafts bolt on type for LSD diffs are the same as the push in units so the fab'ed diff cover fits both.

I had a spare Diff that I gave to Nathan when his broke. It was off a 1.6 and he was using the 1.8 running gear and it wouldn't fit in his car.

[Talonmotorsport]

Erm minor edit.....just put the 1.6 LSD next to the open diff, erm so how many different sizes of diff are there?