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.