Torsen or Suspension?

[tinsfci]

In a couple of weeks I will be getting my new toy ('94 NA1.
Right now I have the money for either a Torsen LSD or adjustable suspension. Given that everything else is stock at the moment, which of these two will be the better first upgrade for motorkhana (MaxAction*) type use?

*For non Perth people, MaxAction is a series with courses set up in a decent sized carpark at Belmont Racecourse. Run under the motorkhana code, but no reversing or intermediate garages etc. Mainly first & secong gear speeds.

[Garry]

For speedy street driving I'd say suspension but a torsen might help you more on a motorkhana track.

[Craig]

Go the suspension as you use that everywhere, road and track. That said a Torsen can help you power steer in Motorkhanas too.

[EGG80X]

LSD first, always fun to the mx sideways

[Curly]

Yeah, I reckon the LSD would give a bigger improvement.

I've been meaning to enter one of these max action events, looks like a barrel of laughs.

[tinsfci]

Sideways is good.... even in a VW!



The Aussie flag is good for 30 extra horsepower.

I think if I can get a good deal on a torsen soon I will snaffle it. More mods can be done when the buggy sells.

[Inf3ct0R]

LSD first here....

[sabretooth]

Suspension - has benefits everywhere and over every single bump - increases comfort, grip and just transforms the car if you have shagged suspension to start with.

Not just when you want to power out of a corner, lay a pair of black lines or other situation specifically calling for a LSD.

[jolt]

LSD was the first real mod to my MX5 ... I'd do it first again ...

Rod

[Craig]

Just a thought...with 12yr old suspension wouldn't the inside wheel lift up and negate the Torsen as 1 wheels is either off the ground or has limited traction?

[Okibi]

It depends on the condition of the current shocks/springs but i'd think you're corner speed would be better with good suspension (and bracing) before an LSD.

That said, I don't have an LSD yet

[jolt]

ahhh ... good point ... didn't think about the suspension being 12 years old ...

Rod

[Babalouie]

Just a thought...with 12yr old suspension wouldn't the inside wheel lift up and negate the Torsen as 1 wheels is either off the ground or has limited traction?

I always thought that the "one wheel off the ground" hoodoo with the torsen was made out to be a lot worse than it was. Admittedly my car always had at least the Clubman suspension but in many years of hooning I really only experienced the one wheel spinup maybe 5~10 times. So it can't be *that* bad with stock suspension.

Was that your experience with your torsen Craigy?

[Brad]

After having the torsen for almost 2 years now and comparing that to the serveral non LSD MX5's I've dríven, then having the new Tein's on for several weeks compared to the Bilsteins (better than OEM sure, but still 140,000kms old), I'd Have to say ther LSD makes the biggest difference. It's not that it's 'better' just that the LSD you don't realise youneed until you REALLY need it after getting a great entry and flow through a corner, jsut to loose it all through wheel spin coming out. Suspension is rather static in this sense and will have a certain level you can get to in performance and you'll only really see the benefit once you upgrade or compare. LSD, anyone who has an MX5 can see where the benefit is.

[Okibi]

BUT .. if you have better shocks and sways you don't pick up the wheel anywhere near as much.

Someone wanna give me an LSD so I can't make a more educated suggestion?