ULTIMATE DIFFERENTIAL GUIDE FOR THE MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

While you may have an understanding of what a differential is, do you know about all the gearsets and centres available throughout the years?
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LINK TO MORE DIFF INFO: www.beavismotorsport.com/diff-...
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[@Bbeavis]

Need help with your MX-5 Miata, I have a heap of technical guides here: kzbin.info/aero/PLongVur9FFho3xHKJjbWPyYBQK0N9ADO5

[@SGTRacing]

So I have a us 2003 NB2(face lift) with the 5 speed manual. Seems like I have an lsd. I'm confused with your chart as the face lift 5 speeds were not listed. So is it still 4.30's in the rear?

[@Bbeavis]

@@SGTRacing We didn't get 5 speed equipped cars for 2003 so I cannot say for sure, probably a 3.9 or more likely a 4.1 ratio. A 4.3 ratio for anything after 1993 is very rare.

[@jakeguitarbass7209]

I swear those birds in the background are doing that on purpose they kept getting louder and louder through the video.

[@Bbeavis]

Yeah nature can get in the way a little!

[@khayrobs]

Big car using nature to hide the truth bro! Fight the power!

[@VinceCannavaII]

Their love language is violence.

[@ConquerDriving]

I know I'm stating the obvious but you know a "LOT" about MX5s. Great videos by the way.

[@Bbeavis]

Oh, thank you, that's very complimentary of you. Appreciate it.

[@MiataMods]

Thank you so much for making this video! This is really useful information! 👍

[@Bbeavis]

No worries good sir! Thanks for watching :-)

[@mika012300]

this^

[@affinityroadster3942]

Brilliant information. Finally someone made the comprehensive guide. Nailed it and subscribed!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Affinity! Appreciate it :)

[@samfreshly5331]

Excellent video that is amazingly well done! You told me a lot of this stuff in person recently great to see a full video on it, very interesting and informative.

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you good sir :-) I hope we can catchup soon and see how the car is going.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

you've once again covered my next project! thank you sir!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Ian glad to help :-)

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Great info there. You content is really getting more polished all the time. Nice work.

[@Bbeavis]

Oh wow Jeff came to visit! Congrats on your recent success with the 911 video good sir :-)

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Thanks mate. I do get over here when I get a chance, and next time I am down your way, or you are road tripping North we should do a collab. Keep up the great content mate.

[@Bbeavis]

Sounds good - I'd certainly love to see the Home Built 911 in person some day.

[@bccochrane1]

Excellent informative video, just what I needed thank you sir 👍🏻

[@Bbeavis]

Awesome, glad it was of help!

[@Calzonii09]

Absolutely brilliant video. Finally! Something like this has been needed for so long. Great knowledge and great information!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for the kind words Ragged Edge! Really appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@Calzonii09]

BEAVIS Motorsport - my pleasure. Subscribed! Keep doing what your doing. Great stuff, Can I make a suggestion?l for a video? 15x7 inch rims 195 Tyres vs 15x9inch rims 225 Tyres on track. I’m about to upgrade and would like to know the difference it makes to time gain on a lap 👍👍

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for the suggestion Ragged, that's certainly something I'd like to try out one day, it'd require a bit of money though as to do the job right, I'd need to have two sets of wheels and two sets of tyres of the same compound!

[@iamu]

That Honda lawnmower was savage 😂😂😂😂. Thanks for the comprehensive vids! Greetings from Bucharest!

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you for watching Robert!

[@Racingboom]

Not gonna lie I’ve been binging the TOOT out of your guys videos now that I found you! So much KNAWLEDGE.

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you Racingboom. Glad you enjoy.

[@austist]

this was very informative. I bought a NA miata to learn how to work on cars and i’ve been looking for some kind of guide.

[@Bbeavis]

Glad it was helpful! I have some other MX-5 miata tech type videos on the channel if you need anything else feel free to reach out :)

[@nzpork1]

If you didn't have a teleprompter then you must be some kind of mx-5 savant to remember all that diff info.

[@Bbeavis]

Haha no teleprompter here my friend - i'm not that well kitted out. I did pre write a script of everything I planned to cover so that helped a lot!

[@dougiequick1]

It's what happens when you live and breathe the same tech day after week after month ...For instance 40 years later I still have all these hundreds of electrical components specs and even part numbers and brands filed away in my brain I have absolutely zero use for that shit anymore but building custom electrical distribution systems for hundreds and hundreds of old school "main frame" computer facilities I simply committed everything to memory in order to function directing workers, answering questions, ordering and personally buying components or their interchangable equals....and in similar fashion I still have all sorts of motorcycle tech and parts equivalency because I was for a few years and motorcycle mechanic (and a bit of racing) ....what we love just gets embedded in our brains is my point.....lol experts forever then...even when it all finally becomes irrelivent because the whole world had moved on. Sad thing is my aging brain can't remember shit I really NEED to from even 3 days ago but I still could overhaul and race prep a vintage Motocross motorcycle from 45 year old memory alone! Too bad we can't dump old data and download all new files pertinent to what is happening NOW! LOL

[@FriedTurkey]

@@Bbeavis Legend.

[@ExhaustedOfficial]

Very useful guide mate, exactly what I needed great job 👍🏻 mine came with a Torsen LSD as standard, but I didn’t have a clue of the gearing ratio until this

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for watching again Ed :-)

[@ExhaustedOfficial]

BEAVIS Motorsport No worries dude, keep up the great work! My name is infact Oscar, but now you said it I have realised that my Channel name is quite deceiving in that sense😂😂

[@Bbeavis]

Haha sometimes I like to just reply to people with their channel name - even if it isn't their real name :-P

[@ExhaustedOfficial]

BEAVIS Motorsport no worries dude I don’t mind :P

[@nudedrive_cz2240]

Nice video! Useful, thanks

[@Bbeavis]

No worries, glad to help :)

[@mrbmx24]

the rx7 diff works great love mine

[@Bbeavis]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching :)

[@chainsmoke6533]

Thank you.so much. Great video. dude

[@Bbeavis]

My pleasure Xin Shen!

[@ckarcher]

Great video. I would have loved some more explanation on the gear ratios (ie what they mean and which one to choose) I used to have a 2001 NBFL 1.9 (Memories 2) in Europe which had a Torsen diff. My current 2002 Titanium has an open diff and I am wondering what I should be looking for when considering an upgrade to a Torsen.

[@Bbeavis]

Which final drive gear ratio to choose is really up to each individuals needs I suppose. Obviously the "higher number" diff ratio (i.e 4.111:1), the "faster" the car accelerates but the car revs high on the highway... while the "lower number" diff ratio (i.e 3.636:1) means slower acceleration, and lower revs on a highway.

[@MJC-GSXS750]

Very informative, thanks a million bro. Going to be doing a k24/k20 FranknMiata build. I definitely want a 6speed with torsen diff. Most likely will pick up a 99 NB AE.

[@Bbeavis]

No worries mate, good luck with your build.

[@MJC-GSXS750]

After searching around for a car, i have not seen any AE miata's here in Canada. Im not sure of they exist here? I have only seen Special Edition models which i think might he our version of the AE edition in Austalia? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[@Bbeavis]

MJ The 99 NB 10th Anniversary that were delivered in Aus were the only pre facelift NB's with 6speed, they had 3.9:1 diff ratio, dome clever little badging, and came with polished wheels and blue interior bits and bilstein shocks. I'm pretty sure they were sent to North America, I'm not sure whereabouts exactly or how many though.

[@charlotteholden8313]

Aside from the birds, this was an absolutely brilliant video!! Thank you so much 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you.

[@j.f.brunet6218]

Great video! I thought you would discuss an overview of servicing of the differential... Keep it up!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks! 👍 Best keep servicing to the professionals, drivetrain components aren't easy to work with and require specialty tools.

[@j.f.brunet6218]

BEAVIS Motorsport one of my friends is a mechanic on McLarens and Aston Martins... Therefore, by extension, I am also an expert in servicing vehicles even if I am unsure as how to refill my blinker fluid just yet... ;)

[@VinceCannavaII]

I'm watching now and hope you go over some ND material. Still, very helpful & appreciated.

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you Vince, I have some other videos on my ND.

[@ClaytonBridges]

good guide, thanks,

[@Bbeavis]

No worries Clayton!

[@sjorsangevare]

And here I am with my 1996 1.66 NA :) I'm gonna look under it to see if I can see any differentiation factors. I know it's an open diff for sure from driving it lol

[@Bbeavis]

:-D an open diff is still better than no diff at all

[@ChelszH]

This is fantastic information! Exactly what I needed to know, Thank you! Thanks for the write up as well, was trying to learn more about what Diff housing and such I really have. I'm going to be pushing around 350 whp and hopefully it will hold up. I am crossing my fingers!!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for watching C, good luck with the SR swap :)

[@ChelszH]

Thanks! It's almost done!

[@ethanhong9275]

Thanks for making this video! Learning as much as possible before starting to mod my bone stock 91 na. Helps a lot. You are a champ :)

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks Ethan, happy to help!

[@donfinch862]

Hmmmm.......my '89 has finned diff - been swapped then. Previous owner did drift it..........hmmmm. You pulled all that outa the top of yer head!! You expert you. Grrreat video

[@Bbeavis]

I certainly wouldn't expect you to believe I rambled that all directly off the top of my head. There may well have been a 2000 word script to go with it :-)

[@tsx101]

Very comprehensive, thank you

[@Bbeavis]

An absolute pleasure! Glad I could be of service - thanks for watching tsx101 :-)

[@tsx101]

I know dumping on AT drivers is fun but i'm looking to get a used diff from the wrecker's. It would be good to know what the ratio on the automatic cars was (or if they even had optional LSD) to swap onto my NB. Can't find any info online.

[@Bbeavis]

I don't have a lot of definite information, but as I understand the Automatic got the same ratio as the Manual trans cars.

[@tsx101]

same thing ive seen posted around, but which of the 3 ratios?

[@samherford1298]

My 1.8 1995 NA eunos import has a 4.3:1 ratio LSD diff, Think it was fitted to special editions only.

[@Bbeavis]

I'm sure there's a few special editions out there with different ratio's, not to mention people who've swapped diffs over the years.

[@emobunny303]

So the 3.636 is good for road trips/long drives? Hell yea. Add to the wish list!

[@Bbeavis]

3.6 is the tallest factory ratio.

[@RicSupra]

Some of the Japanese Eunos NA 1.8 also came with 4.3 gearratios. And in Europe we also got the 4.1 als standard on all the 5speed NB's (98-05). And on the 6speed NB's we got the 3.6 :(

[@Bbeavis]

Hey Ric, sounds like the Europeans got the same drivetrain as us Australians. Thanks for the tips!

[@rosaatomica9976]

if you dont want your 3.6 ill take it haha

[@funretirementprojects7765]

Photos of all the diffs would help identify them. Thanks for the video.

[@Bbeavis]

No problem 👍

[@BecauseMiata]

Great explanation! If anyone wants to know if they have an open diff or LSD, there are a few ways to check. The quick and easy way is to do a burnout on the street. If you have "one wheel peel" ..."one tire fire"...whatever the kids say these days....If there is one line left on the street then you have an open diff. If two lines are left on the street then you have some sort of locking diff. Another way to check is to jack up the rear end of the car and spin one of the rear tires with your hand. If the opposite side tire moves the same direction, you have a locking diff. But if the other tire moves in the opposite direction that you're spinning, it's an open diff.

[@Bbeavis]

Keep in mind that Torsen LSD's, common with the MX-5 Miata, are known to exhibit 'open diff' characteristics when the car is jacked up and a wheel is turned by hand. The other option is to open up the fill plug on the diff and shine a torch inside to try see what centre is in there.

[@philipyee3132]

Excellent video. Thank you for the summary Brendan. What advice do you have on differential bushings? I will be upgrading my planned to be turbocharged street driven NA8 to an LSD 3.63.

[@Bbeavis]

My pleasure Phil! I'd suggest upgrading to a relatively mild poly bush from a company like powerflex or the like for a street car. Part number PFR36-120

[@pierrec9287]

hey Beavis! great vid! but i am really wondering where I can get a torsen diff? like can I grab it from an Audi with torsen and slap it on? im not super sure.

[@Bbeavis]

An audi torsen centre will not fit in an MX-5. As I'm aware there's no other car differential that will fit. Check facebook, ebay etc for people selling diffs.

[@alycestapleton]

OS Giken lsd are a great indeed not cheap fitting one on a skyline and alot of bmw high horsepower guy's use them

[@Bbeavis]

The OSG is certainly commonly considered the best diff centre available for the MX-5. Thanks for watching GG! :-)

[@SGTRacing]

Thanks for this. I have a 2003 and didn't know wtf it came with 🤣

[@Bbeavis]

Hope it helped :-)

[@tfcmessages3727]

GREAT video! So if I’m looking for a US spec car with the 3.63 gears to put in my S2000, what year/model do I need to find? Thanks!

[@Bbeavis]

Sadly, there were no US cars with the 3.6:1 ratio diff. Very hard to find that gearset in North America, only other markets.

[@Shr1mp2K]

My cockatiels went crazy, guess they heard your birds lol.

[@Bbeavis]

Not my birds, just birds in the nearby trees outside.

[@leestott101]

I have to budgies and I'm on the phone near them they go nuts and I had to watch this video with headphones in do they wouldn't hear the birds. All said great video on diffs

[@Bbeavis]

Sorry about that. Not my birds, just the nature goin' wild in the trees outside sadly.

[@SU37]

Awesome stufff! What would be the Aus NB SE diff ratio? 3.6 torsen? Cheers

[@Bbeavis]

Hi Leo, certainly the 3.636 gear ratio in the SE. Thanks for watching.

[@sectioneightgaming4086]

Great video as always,

[@Bbeavis]

Hey Section Eight, great to have you back! :-) Appreciate the kind words.

[@jessicaembers924]

I just bought a 2,021 MX-5 with a 2.0 on a 6 speed posi. And I swear at God this frickin car jumps like a leap frog!

[@Bbeavis]

"posi"? As in LSD?

[@NavarroOne]

Thank you very much. Now how the heck do I source a 4:3 TorSen for my track NB?

[@Bbeavis]

No worries Allan, good luck in your search for a diff :)

[@Sertao2013]

H:i My 2003 was rear ended and it broke the passenger side arm right where its suppose to break . I have a used rear end housing with 2 good arms . I'm just going to replace the housings and bolt the front I have with all the gearing into the housing . What is the best thing to use to seal the 2 halves together . I have 2 new axle seals to put in the housing also . But I don't have a new seal that goes between the 2 halves . Do they make one or is it a liquid type that you squeeze from a tube ? If its a tube what type is the best to use ?

[@Bbeavis]

You use a silicone RTV to seal the differential carrier and the diff itself together.

[@ateamfan42]

The NB2 cars were not all 6 speeds (at least in the US). The 5 speed was standard on the Base, Shinsen, and LS trims and came with the 4.30:1 final drive. The 6 speed was an option for the LS models and standard on the SE trim, and had the 3.909:1 final. The Mazdaspeed Miata also used a 6 speed, but had the 4.10:1 final.

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for the tip RD. Seems there are always a few variances for international markets. Funny the MSM delivered in Australia as 'SE' had the 3.6 diff ratio.

[@ateamfan42]

@@Bbeavis Apparently the Mazdaspeed name was not used in Australia, as a model name with "speed" implied that owners should violate speed limits. Just about everyone with a turbo Miata + 6-speed agrees that the wider ratio spacing with the 3.6 is the way to go, as the car spends actual time in boost before getting to redline and needing to shift. The decision to put the 4.1 in the US MSM never seemed to make a lot of sense.

[@Bbeavis]

@@ateamfan42 Probably because Mazda knew that from the factory the little turbo and poor tuning didn't add much performance!

[@ateamfan42]

@@Bbeavis True. The MSM did not fulfill its potential. Most people with MSMs that turn to aftermarket tuning achieve some real gains (even with the factory hardware).

[@owenmckee4053]

Hi, I've got a 2005 with a fuji diff which I believe may be acting up (it only span one wheel from a 7k clutch dump on a gravel carpark), Is there any way to determine if it's working without taking it apart? I've got a torsen2 in a parts car if you think I'd be better with that. I've got some new oil on the way and I'll check the old oil for metal chunks? but apart from that I'm unsure how to check if it's operational. Cheers, Owen

[@Bbeavis]

I'm not sure there's anything you can determine by just looking at a diff that is still inside the carrier. You will need to either take it to a diff/trans specialist, or just take the gamble and move to the torsen. In general the torsens are pretty solid and reliable - maybe just avoid those 7k clutch dumps. :-)

[@avcle]

What all do I need to swap a torsen into an open diff NA8? Does it fit straight into the open diff housing? Sorry, new to Miatas, just purchased my first one last week. It came with an open diff but I’d like to install an LSD into it.

[@Bbeavis]

Hey Alejandro, You can swap in any 1.8 differential from another NA/NB. The gearset and mounting setup is all the same.

[@rosaatomica9976]

im trying to find a 3.6 rear end does anyone have ? where could i find one?

[@Bbeavis]

Ebay,facebook groups,forums,craigslist.

[@panicmech]

How many spline count is the outputs to the shafts on the miata diffs over the years? Namely the type 2 diff. 28spline? I'm curious about using the torsen for my Sportage front diff. 1gen Sportages had 26 spline up until about 1998 or so then went to 28 spline (mazda diffs)

[@Bbeavis]

The 1.6/1.8 MX-5 Miata all had 26 spline by 27mm.

[@stevehedger9909]

hi just changed oil in diff 2004 mx5 NBFL 1.8l and some litlle flat plates came out of drain hole didnt look like ring gear so what could it be

[@Bbeavis]

Perhaps you have the TOCHIGI FUJI LSD diff and it's lost a clutch plate? There's some detail and pics on it here: www.beavismotorsport.com/guides-tech/differential-guide-for-miata-mx5/

[@MickehPuppeh]

Recently got a 6-speed NC Miata - and the final drive really is just too short. I can comfortably cruise at 32 mph in 5th gear! It practically just feels like a 5 speed with extra steps, and I wonder if there's an easy way to change that.

[@Bbeavis]

I am only aware of RX8 diff swaps for the NC, but that is usually for a shorter diff gear, not a taller one.

[@Shredzilla100]

so can you put the actual Torsen 2 in an open diff casing?

[@Bbeavis]

Yep the 1.8 diff centres can be swapped from Open to LSD.

[@WorstPaperCut]

what gear ratio is my open diff on my NB 2000? is it 4.1 or 4.3???

[@Bbeavis]

May be different depending on what part of the world you are in, but I would expect a 4.1 if it is a NB1.

[@thefriendlyitalian]

Any idea what would be in my 2005 base nb2 Miata? It has a 5 speed in it. Open diff

[@Bbeavis]

1.8 spec diff, so 7" ring gear, probably 4.1 or 3.9 ratio.

[@evanvalencia7360]

Is it possible to have a 1993 NA with a 1.8 diff from factory? It clearly has the rubber part close to the driveshaft but all the signs are pointing towards the engine being a 1.6, it even says so on the sticker under the hood.

[@Bbeavis]

We're told no 1.6 diffs have the pinion damper. If your diff has it, then its likely a 7" 1.8 spec diff, is there no chance it was swapped in after?

[@TheZIGGY619]

How do you remove the half axle shafts from the diffs sides

[@Bbeavis]

They pop out with some stern words via a pry bar or two.

[@rubenb.541]

I have a 94 1.8 NA Miata. Can i change the open diff which is currently installed with a Torsen Diff out of an 1.8 NBFL without changing Driveshafts Half-shafts ?

[@Bbeavis]

Yes.

[@jonathanc6432]

What would be the best ratio for a 02 SE USDM 6 speed N / A 180whp?

[@Bbeavis]

That's up to you and how you want the car to perform, what sort of driving you do, tyre diameter etc. If it's for cruising the highway, then a taller ratio is better generally. There are gearing calculators out there to work out what speeds your car runs at what RPM.

[@ChrisSnider23]

You forgot something, the nb post facelift still came with a 5 speed. Not all of them have a 6 speed. For example my 2005 nb ls has a 5 speed in it.

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for the tip Chris, I wasn't aware of any NB facelift cars running a 5 speed, I'll add that to my website. Can you give me any more detail on the car? i.e what location was it originally sold?

[@ChrisSnider23]

BEAVIS Motorsport Bought it in Escondido, California. It’s a 2005 nb miata ls, 1.8l w/ vvt and an lsd. 5 speed, power windows & doors. Keyless entry. Pretty much everything I can think of on the spot.

[@Bbeavis]

Great thanks for the info - wonder why Mazda opted for some cars to have the 5spd when many Miata/MX-5's around the world were already getting the 6spd

[@ChrisSnider23]

BEAVIS Motorsport I believe that all the 2002+ cars came with the option to choose between a 5-speed and a 6-speed. The 6-speed is the more sought after transmission, which is why it got more attention since it was introduced.

[@HyperspeedMedia]

I notice that too

[@RaveTCG]

So if I have a Na 1.6 manual converted with a 1.8 gearbox and a lsd diff what ratios do I have lol

[@Bbeavis]

The 1.6 and 1.8 gearbox is essentially the same physically. The answer to your question is in this video.

[@Robberbarron27]

how do you tell by the out side if you have a Torsen on a NA8?

[@Bbeavis]

You cannot. You must check the insides.

[@mattkless8299]

I got a 2005 ls trim Miata, how much power you think I could throw at that rear end until it goes boom?

[@Bbeavis]

Anything over 350hp or so. Have a search on miataturbo.net for some people sharing their experiences on diff power limits.

[@ByMezmoh]

I have a 2007 NC 5 speed with an open diff and want to upgrade to an lsd how would I go about that

[@Bbeavis]

You can buy aftermarket centres from various sources: rev9autosport.com/nc/drivetrain/lsd.html www.maruhamotors.co.jp/miata/parts/nclsd.html www.ebay.com.au/itm/KAAZ-LSD-REAR-FOR-Mazda-MX5-NC-2005-2016-DBZ2020-/141963259438

[@TechThrowdown]

Might have an ask on here since i can't find any info on it. My diff is a 1.6 diff but the stub shafts are completely square. I have seen a few mazdaspeed/Mazda comp diffs that run a completely square flanged stub shaft if not running normal open diff shafts but this isn't the point. The point is that upon further inspection and opening of the housing my diff by all accounts looks like a vlsd core with two different lengths shafts as Usual. My question is why the heck are the flanges square and does this mean anything?

[@Bbeavis]

Maybe have a read of this: www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html

[@meatloaf666999]

Not sure if its been said but not all NB2 Miatas IE, 2001-2005 Miatas were 6 speeds as well the first Torsen wasn't introduced until the 94 with the 1.8.

[@Bbeavis]

Cool thanks for watching meatloaf.

[@meatloaf666999]

No problem, you guys are my new favorite channel after I read your comment on Doug DeMuro's Fiat 500 video. lol A Used Fiat 500 Abarth Is the Most Fun You Can Have For $9,000 "Nah, Miata" Me and my turbo 96 agree with you. :-D $9k will buy/ build you a nicely sorted Turbo Miata if you have the skills to DIY!

[@nateschiro4731]

Hey I know I'm kinds late but I have a 91 with a finned housing and you said on later models of the na6 had fins. So I'm guessing I have a open 1.8 diff?

[@Bbeavis]

Here's some good images to help define the differences between a 1.6 and 1.8 that you may be able to compare to your diff: www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html

[@hujimwa]

Great video. I've called some mechanics and they had no clue. My torsen type 2 started to whine. So I've got to swap it out for a welded and the shafts seem too short. I do have another open to throw in for now or get welded. Even while I get the LSD looked at. Any reason for this? Guessing the welded diff is from an early mk1? But I'm sure it had the rubber guide. Ideally I don't want to swap the half shafts.

[@Bbeavis]

Yes, sounds like you have the wrong spec diff. They early 1.6 size will bolt into the sub-frame, but shafts are different.

[@KatoJari]

what about the 1.6 special edition diff that was different ?

[@Bbeavis]

I'm not sure pumpkin, i presume it is either the same open diff as most standard cars, or the viscous option found in some of the 1.6's.

[@christophermeraz-mata]

So can we swap the gears from an open diff to a torsen? I'm looking for a 3.6 pinion for my torsen diff.

[@Bbeavis]

Yes, all the 1.8 gearsets for NA/NB are interchangeable.

[@Texaschiro.]

will a 6 speed TFS fit on a 5 speed trans? is there a big difference?

[@Bbeavis]

What is a 6 speed TFS?

[@peterbonnez]

Very interesting. In your link you mention that the Speed Sender can be swapped. My car is an early NA with a 6 speed 'box and Torsen diff. The speedo under reads. Where could I get the correct speed sender? Is it a Mazda part?

[@Bbeavis]

Yes you can swap them from other years. Best do a google from speedo gears for sale in your area.

[@peterbonnez]

@@Bbeavis Thanks for quick reply - will do.

[@jackisun9771]

I have a 97 NA with an open diff, I found someone selling a fuji LSD for a good price. You mentioned it wasn't that big of an upgrade over the Torsen, but would the upgrade be worth it over a stock open diff? Thanks for the video, was very informative!

[@anotherhairlessapewithanop7455]

very worth it

[@Bbeavis]

Open diffs are fine for everyday driving. Any form of performance driving will benefit from any LSD of some kind.

[@alexismendoza1545]

If I have a finned diff housing on my 1.6 is it a VLSD?

[@Bbeavis]

Diff housing does not indicate the configuration of the centre.

[@danpullen6676]

Are the diff casings the same between 1.6 & 1.8's?

[@Bbeavis]

No, they are not the same.

[@jacobfoster6773]

Hi there, apologies if you've already answered this, I had a brief look in the comments and I'm struggling to find an answer to this anywhere on the internet. I have a UKDM 1.6 NB2 / MK2.5, do you know if this has a 6" or 7" ring gear, whether it's an LSD or open diff and what the driveshaft compatibility is with the 1.8 diff?

[@Bbeavis]

We don't have 1.6 engined NB/MK2's in my part of the world, but I would confidently expect all NB's to run the 7" diff, as per any 1.8 spec car.

[@niicegarry6714]

Will the axles and tailshaft for a nb 4.1 open center diff suit a 3.9 Torsen diff swap? Love your work btw.

[@Bbeavis]

All the axles and driveshafts for all NB cars are the same (except for the upgrade SE/Mazdaspeed turbo models), so yes it should be fine.

[@niicegarry6714]

@@Bbeavis your a legend! 👍

[@volvoenjoyer3166]

I couldnt find the answear anywhere else so i'll ask here, is it possible to change the open differencial in my 1.6 5 speed manual nb to fuji or toresn from the 1.8 with 6 gears? How will it affect the gearbox and does it require additional parts to be changed as halfshafts etc?

[@Bbeavis]

If you have an NB, then you can swap in a 6spd transmission without any other changes. And, you can swap to a torsen or fuji LSD without any other changes.

[@yeamurder187]

Any chance you have a part number for 1.8 axles

[@Bbeavis]

Yep you can find the part number in the workshop manuals on this page: beavismotorsport.com/guides-tech/

[@MRPURPLEHAIZE]

The chirping had me going crazy >.

[@Bbeavis]

Haha, can't control the local wildlife!

[@lewisfry4360]

How could I fairly easily tell if I have a torsen or open diff on my MX5 Classic model? I've seen alot online and everyone seems to contradict eachother with tests. I'm not hugely mechanically minded but I want the easiest sure fire way to know if I ha e one or not. For example if I do a rolling burnout and I get 11s rather than a 1 does that mean I have an LSD? As some people say yes and some say no so I can never be sure

[@Bbeavis]

To be 100% sure, you can't really tell without looking inside, perhaps via one of the half shaft holes in the side of the carrier. That said if you can definitely do a proper two wheel burnout, very good chance it's LSD.

[@frogboyxyz]

Why is a diff with clutch packs better than a torsen? Torsen will not wear out friction material and gives more torque to the wheel with more traction, in a continuously variable manner. How are these other diffs better than that?

[@Bbeavis]

The torsen starts to be less useful on the track and with higher power, where the benefits of a clutch pack and its more 'tight' locking are handy. The MX-5 torsens are rather forgiving, and certainly very robust, but aren't a heavily weighted to split the torque between the two rear wheels.

[@Seidowas]

And the open diff of a 2001 NB2 1.6 mx5, 6" or 7" ?

[@Bbeavis]

I don't know sorry Seido, we never saw the 1.6 NB here in Aus, but I'd assume it's the 7" diff.

[@darklorddan7031]

Generally the NB’s only came with a 1.8

[@sergidmn]

Thank you for the video. You talk about 1.8 engines most time but, in a 2002 1.6 NB2.5 with open diff, would be a 6 or 7"? What is needed to install a LSD in that car?

[@Bbeavis]

Yeah that is because in my location, all NB came with 1.8 engines only. For NB's with the 1.6 engine, they still have the 7" diff like any other NB.

[@sergidmn]

@@Bbeavis Very helpful! Thanks!!!

[@zepic9093]

Wait my eunos from 1992 1.6l has a finned diff. What does that mean?

[@Bbeavis]

It doesn't mean anything, listen to what i say around 2:55

[@johnfields4896]

Wonder if there's a direct bolt in 8.8in diff

[@Bbeavis]

That's not something I have seen (yet).

[@youonfilm]

What diff came in the 2001 5 speed in the US?

[@Bbeavis]

At this point it's difficult to say. I'd suspect a 4.1 open. The best solution is to physically check. So many cars have now been modified you cannot trust what the owners manual said and I don't know USA statistics as I am not located there.

[@davidzhang1704]

Do you know what type of LSD is used in the nd?

[@Bbeavis]

I'm not sure of that detail David, but this link may help you: www.reddit.com/r/mazda/comments/3mm1o5/what_kind_of_lsd_is_in_the_2016_miata/

[@dwergmaster]

I have a 1.6 NB / Mk2 (year 2000) with an open diff, it was delivered for the European market.. SO, do I have a 6" ring gear or 7" ring gear? Is there a difference between the open 1.6 and 1.8 diff for the Mk2 in terms of design or shafts or is it exactly the same?

[@Bbeavis]

I'd be fairly confident that all MK2's came with 7" diffs, even if they had the less common 1.6 engine. Shafts are different from the early 1.6 NA diffs to all the later 7" diffs.

[@dwergmaster]

@@Bbeavis Ok Thanks for the response man! My diff (less than 150k kilometers) is making some humming noise.. I thought it may have had to do something with having the small ring gear, but probably some other issue then.

[@matthewglover322]

I wondered how heavy a torsen diff is? (for shipping purposes?)

[@Bbeavis]

70lbs / 30kg

[@JHANKSMEDIA]

Guess my diff has been swapped then. It’s a 92 but has fins. It’s also an LSD. cool 😌 Btw, for anyone wondering if they have an LSD, jack up your rear end, and spin one wheel. If both tires spin in the same direction, you have some form of LSD. if they spin opposite directions, it’s open.

[@Bbeavis]

Keep in mind Jonathan, that the OEM Mazda Torsen LSD will likely not spin both rear wheels in the same direction if they are jacked up in the air as it requires load on the driveline to induce the limited slip action.

[@JHANKSMEDIA]

BEAVIS Motorsport ah, true. So I guess it’s viscous then?

[@jan94_]

Do I understand it right that all 1.8 differentials are TORSEN type and a direct fit into my NA6 chassis?

[@Bbeavis]

Not all 1.8 diffs are torsen, some are open. All 1.8 diffs bolt into the NA6, provided you also swap over the driveshafts.

[@jimybo20]

BEAVIS Motorsport how do you know if you have an open diff or a torsen then?

[@josephguasco3179]

Ok so I just bought 4.78 final drive for my 03 nb. Was this a good idea or not? It’s not turbocharged and all I’m trying to build is a nice daily/drift car at least till I get over 140k on the motor.

[@FriendlyAsianGamers]

I have a 4.77 ratio diff and it's great fun, but highway traveling is not fun at all. I'd generally be doing 4-4.5k rpm on the highway depending on the speed limit

[@Bbeavis]

It is totally a personal preference. I would personally find a 4.7 swift and fun for a weekend car with lower power, but probably too much for an every day car.

[@tiwongeguynyirenda4932]

Is the na 1.6 ratio same on auto and manual

[@Bbeavis]

As far as I am aware, yes they are all 4.3

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

Right so i have a 1.8 na from 96 and im not sure if it has a torsen. What is the easiest way without removing the shafts to tell if i have one or not?

[@Bbeavis]

You cannot tell without looking inside the differential.

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

@@Bbeavis cheers

[@zsoltkerekes9005]

Did any nb1.6 come with fuji diff? Or only 1.8

[@Bbeavis]

Sorry I am not really sure, we did not get any 1.6 NB's here so I've never seen one personally.

[@bigmattolly4910]

Can you recommend a diff you think will handle 300rkw with 17x11 semi slicks. ? I've seen the 8.8 conversion but we are in OZ so bit hard. I also need ABS and 5 stud. Any help cheers 🍻

[@Bbeavis]

The factory mazda 1.8 diff should be OK to handle that, but certainly starting to get to it's limit. Slicks will also add to the stress. Beyond that I don't have any experience with aftermarket or custom swaps.

[@bigmattolly4910]

Well I've been trying to find a 4.1 torsen and people want an arm and a leg so i guess i might just go a ford 8.8 and be done with it

[@johanvarland8177]

How do you identify a Tochigi Fuji diff? In the diff I'm considering buying there is a little square axle visible in the hole.

[@Bbeavis]

I'm not aware of any way to verify other than looking inside at the actual differential centre.

[@johanvarland8177]

@@Bbeavis. Thank's. That's where the square axle is.

[@dilumwimalaratna4149]

Can a six speed NB 3.6 ratio diff be swapped into an NA 1.6 eunos roadster (finned type diff) and what mods will I need? Suggestions and advice please.

[@Bbeavis]

Yes, the diff will all bolt in, you will need all the drive shafts from the NB also.

[@dilumwimalaratna4149]

@@Bbeavis thanks for that