LSD questions

[JamieH]

I think the 4.30 is only great for stock 1.6s w/ 5-spds. And if the car will be a dedicated auto-x car (1.6 or 1.8). Mountain driving? You will be shifting more often then you probably want to. That is if you are actually driving spiritedly, enough so that you're in ticket speeds. Hell, the 4.10 is arguably too short in the 1.8 cars on some mountain roads. About the time you shift to 3rd you'll be downshifting right back to 2nd between some corners. If you've ever driven the Dragon, you know what I'm talking about. So you either risk all the shifting or stay in gear and just coast for a bit before braking. It ain't the fastest, but it's likely safer (well, comparatively).

Add boost and the 3.90 from a 6-spd car will be much better behind a 5-spd. You may even want to try tracking down a 3.63. Especially if you are running a boosted 6-spd car.

And a boosted 1.8 with a 6-spd and 4.10? Sure, stronger trans, but 1st is useless and 2nd is over way too quickly. It's oddly less fun... but 3rd feels pretty good.

You don't want a 4.30 in a 1.8 car that is a daily or mountain roads weekend toy. Just stick with what Mazda figured out would be best... unless you add boost.

So, 4.30 in 1.6s, 4.10 in 1.8s, and 3.90 for 6-spds. Mix and match depending on boost/increased power.

[— kung fu jesus —]

4.3 is the preferred gearing for road courses. They are more expensive in the US because of the demand.

[Rogue]

4.30 in a early car powered by a later BP is a lot of fun.

[wannafbody]

4.30 in a early car powered by a later BP is a lot of fun.

Yuup, best of both worlds

[BRGNA8]

Hmm I think based on the response, the 4.1 Torsen LSD should be fine for my applications.

NA8C, 1.8 BP motor, eventually wil be going ITB's, occasional spirited driving and only on the rare occasions will i use highways....4.1 torsen seems to be the way to go

[Slampen]

Any1 tried multiple gearings on same car and can tell they noticed a big difference?

I have a 3.9 I'm going to mount on my stock engine. Guess I will be very pleased with it.
Worst case its another argument for supercharger.....

[— kung fu jesus —]

Yes. My car came with a 4.3 VLSD. I now have a 4.1 Torsen. On the highway, the RPMs are a little lower, but not by much, at cruising speeds (70-80mph). I lost a little acceleration with the change. The Torsen also has a little bit of slight understeer characteristic on turn in, when it locks, but it's easy to counter.