MX5 Donor

[MoysieWRX]

Have a 1.6 Mazda MX5 Import (eunos roadster) as a donor (92-93 K Reg).
Hoping to start my build soon following saturns guide, once i gather my steel.

Does anyone have electronic copies of workshop manuals/ technical info etc on the mx5/eunos that i could maybe get a copy?

Someone i know thinks that this car would have a LSD. Could anyone clarrify or dismiss that this is a possibilty? Could you tell by looking at the diff if it is a LSD?

Can anyone recomend a good forum/website for Mazda MX5 info and Engine tuning?

Regards

[Big Vern]

Originally Posted by MoysieWRX

Have a 1.6 Mazda MX5 Import (eunos roadster) as a donor.
Hoping to start my build soon following saturns guide, once i gather my steel.

Does anyone have electronic copies of workshop manuals/ technical info etc on the mx5/eunos that i could maybe get a copy?

Someone i know thinks that this car would have a LSD. Could anyone clarrify or dismiss that this is a possibilty? Could you tell by looking at the diff if it is a LSD?

Can anyone recomend a good forum/website for Mazda MX5 info and Engine tuning?

Regards

1.6l MX-5 great basis for the haynes roadster

Ebay is a good source for copies of the Mazda workshop manual - plenty of general info on the net (flyin' miata, solomiata, targa miata) etc.

As for the LSD (that old chestnut) don't assume that because it's an import it has an LSD! Lots of so called experts at your local boozer will tell you the japspec cars all have LSD's their WRONG! and I've found out the hard way
Pre 93 VLSD only on V spec - 93-94 1.8 may have torsen 1 and 94 on 1.6 and 1.8 may have torsen 2. Only surefire way to check is to take driveshaft stubs out of diff and peer inside (if you can see gears it's NOT an LSD!)

Good luckwith the build BV

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by Big Vern

1.6l MX-5 great basis for the haynes roadster

Ebay is a good source for copies of the Mazda workshop manual - plenty of general info on the net (flyin' miata, solomiata, targa miata) etc.

As for the LSD (that old chestnut) don't assume that because it's an import it has an LSD! Lots of so called experts at your local boozer will tell you the japspec cars all have LSD's their WRONG! and I've found out the hard way
Pre 93 VLSD only on V spec - 93-94 1.8 may have torsen 1 and 94 on 1.6 and 1.8 may have torsen 2. Only surefire way to check is to take driveshaft stubs out of diff and peer inside (if you can see gears it's NOT an LSD!)

Good luckwith the build BV

The MX5 is a great car, be even better as a Haynes roadster.
It is also quite hard in places to get a sierra as a donor. Around my area, the majority of sierra's are all bought up by the stock car racers.

Would also be good to use BMW's as there are always a good stock around my area but would need to spend alot more time to ensure everything is done correctly.
Will Sticking with the MX5 for the first build as there is the saturn guide to follow. Maybe take on the challenge once my firs build is complete.

As for the DIff will have to have a peek and see as you said.

Just bought the haynes manual off of Ebay.

[vmax1974]

I have a workshop manual you can borrow till I need it pm your details and I will send it to you

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by vmax1974

I have a workshop manual you can borrow till I need it pm your details and I will send it to you

Thanks that's a very kind offer VMAX but just bought a haynes workshop manual off ebay last night

Thanks anyway
Im sure it will be worth the small amount it costs, when stripping the car and when it comes to messing around tuning the engine etc.

[Davidbolam]

If you search on google there is a RAC version which is specific to the 1.6 mk1 which is much easier to use. You can pick it up on Amazon quite cheaply.

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by Davidbolam

If you search on google there is a RAC version which is specific to the 1.6 mk1 which is much easier to use. You can pick it up on Amazon quite cheaply.

Thanks, will wait and see how i get on with the haynes manual first.
May not need it anyway, its just handy to have one there just incase you get stuck with something.

Usually buy one for every project, dont end up using it that much.
Although none of the other projects resulted in complete stripdown.

[trainer]

the vlsd on the mx5 has different stub shafts than the open
lots of info here
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html

the vlsd was available on all cars as an option in japan most were fitted with it iv had 3 all had vlsd my current has torsen type 2 of a 97s

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by trainer

the vlsd on the mx5 has different stub shafts than the open
lots of info here
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html

the vlsd was available on all cars as an option in japan most were fitted with it iv had 3 all had vlsd my current has torsen type 2 of a 97s

Thanks mate, loads of good info on the link.
Performance wise, which is the best diff to have the torsen or VLSD? Is there a noticable difference between them?

[trainer]

the torsen diffs are much stronger(300bhp+) and more active but still a road diff the vlsd is ok if it still works only lasts 30k if used hard and won't take more than 200bhp

they come in 3 different ratios 4.30:1 this is standard 1.6 and vlsd also the very rare torsen from a 99 sport with a 5 speed gearbox
And 4.10:1 ratio for 1.8 cars and all other torsens no vlsd
And 3.909 for the 6 speed gearbox

the six speed ratio is a no no you will go know where unless you get a 6 speed box its the same size

so its between the others 4.30:1 will give the best acceleration
however most of the turbo cars go for the longer ratio of the 4.10:1
maybe in a lighter car the longer ratio ie the 1.8 diff with the 1.6 engine

you can buy or source other sized ring and pinions that fit the diff from other mazdas!
i would go for the 1.8 torsen you will need the prop and drive shafts also
they come at a cost i paid £400 pounds for mine complete with shafts and uprights
or stick with what you got until you break it didn't take me long to break my vlsd