NA8 torsen diff insert.

RileyR · Postby **RileyR** » Sat May 16, 2015 1:14 pm

I have been reading that I can get a 4.1 LSD diff insert for my NA8. I have also read that the torsen 2 are meant to be common and reliable.

Is there any further advice that any one can give me about going for an lsd? Is a torsen 2 insert my best option?

where should I look at buying it from? I'm presuming new would be ideal as they do wear out?

thanks in advance
Riley

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Sat May 16, 2015 1:20 pm

If you're changing diff centre and gears as well, it's easier to buy a full diff assembly in the configuration you want than to modify your existing diff housing with new gears and centre.

Iirc NA8 and NB prop/half shafts are all the same, so you wouldn't even have to swap any of that like if you wanted to put a diff from a 1.8 into an NA6. Just unbolt old diff and bolt new one in with your existing half shafts etc. I could be wrong on that, somebody else will know.

Unless you buy a kaaz 2way or a cusco diff, you won't be buying new. T1 and T2 diff are more than strong enough to handle naturally aspirated power, it's not hard to find them second hand. Any if the usual mx5 parts suppliers can get you one, although certain gear ratios may be harder to find than others.

RileyR · Postby **RileyR** » Sat May 16, 2015 2:04 pm

thanks for the reply,
I just want to keep the same diff ratio thats already in my 1.8 na8, which ive lead to believe is 4.1.
just want to covert it to an lsd.
i am looking to turbo at some stage and want it to be able to handle up to 250hp or so for a standard turbo conversion..

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat May 16, 2015 2:42 pm

Torsen2 is stronger than the Torsen1
Clutchpack diffs (cusco/kaaz etc) tend to be a bit stronger again.

the 1.8 diff (NA8, and all NBs) uses different tailshaft and half shafts to the NA6, so if swapping into an NA6 you'll need those too. If you can net NA8 half shafts do, they're easier to work with than the NB ones (NB are one sealed unit, NA8 has a flange so you can separate the shafts from the stub axles)

NA8 and NB8A are 4.1:1 ratio, the NB8B is 3.6:1 (aussie spec)
NA6 is 4.3:1

There are also a few aftermarket ratios around, the shortest I've seen is a 5.1, and the tallest I think a 3.2.

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Sat May 16, 2015 3:01 pm

Easy done then. Trawl the for sale section for a T2 centre, otherwise you could chase up automotive plus, mx5 mania, or any other mx5 specialists. You'll need to take the car to a diff place and get them to pull the open centre out, fit the lsd centre, probably do some seals while it's out just for the sake of preventing leaks later on. I wouldn't swap the centre myself, because you need to set the preload properly or you can develop slack or backlash and wear parts out.

RileyR · Postby **RileyR** » Sat May 16, 2015 4:04 pm

hks_kansei wrote:Torsen2 is stronger than the Torsen1
Clutchpack diffs (cusco/kaaz etc) tend to be a bit stronger again.

the 1.8 diff (NA8, and all NBs) uses different tailshaft and half shafts to the NA6, so if swapping into an NA6 you'll need those too. If you can net NA8 half shafts do, they're easier to work with than the NB ones (NB are one sealed unit, NA8 has a flange so you can separate the shafts from the stub axles)

NA8 and NB8A are 4.1:1 ratio, the NB8B is 3.6:1 (aussie spec)
NA6 is 4.3:1

There are also a few aftermarket ratios around, the shortest I've seen is a 5.1, and the tallest I think a 3.2.

Will I have to swap no na6 tail shafts for a torsen insert?

RileyR · Postby **RileyR** » Sat May 16, 2015 4:04 pm

swap to**

Trackphotos · Postby **Trackphotos** » Sat May 16, 2015 4:35 pm

No. If you have a 1.8 engine, you have 1.8 drive shaft and half shafts. If you had a 1.6 and wanted to put a diff from a 1.8 (all torsen diffs are bigger than the diff in 1.6 cars) you would need to swap. The diff centre needs to be the right size for the housing you have in your car, and since yours is a 1.8 you won't need to swap any shafts.