I will be installing my turbo shortly in my '93 1.6 with almost 200k on the VLSD diff. My choice is to run with the existing 1.6 diff or run a 1.8 open diff I have access to. A 1.8 LSD will have to wait.

I'm wondering if there will be much of a differnce between the open 1.8 and the 1.6 diff when AXing and/or enjoying the turbo

 

There will be no difference in the performance. Your VLSD (V=Viscous) probably stopped Viscous'ing about 150k miles ago anyway, so you've essentially been running an open dif since then. Now you just won't have to worry about breaking it. However, if you're planning to run in the 200whp range and can stay away from the drag-strip, I'd just wait until you can spring for a Torsen if that's the end goal. Pulling the rear-end isn't exactly hard, but why do it twice? You've probably been hearing horror stories of guys breaking the 1.6 rear on stock power and 165 tires... it's not that bad. I ran 200+whp daily for 2years and wasn't exactly gentle with mine... but I didn't drift/drag/launch the thing and it held in there fine. You don't even have to baby it... just be aware it's the weak link and it will last until you can get a Torsen.

Don't forget a set of new dif mount bushings when you re-install the thing... this page: MiataRoadster: Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development parts

 

You're aware you need the half shafts, drive shaft and all that garbage for it to work right?

The difference? Knowing you're less likely to be stranded because that ***** 1.6 diff **** a brick is well worth it. I doubt your VLSD is even working properly anymore.

 

1.8 swap FTW.

 

the 1.6 diff will be fine. i have no plans on doing to swap myself. IF, and thats a big IF, mine blows, i will just put in whatever is in the junkyard.

 

I'd rather have an open 1.8L over ANY 1.6L rear.

 

x2

Although my vsld survived over a hundred drag strip launches (many with drag ta's) but it only had 35K on it. Want to buy it? (I just swapped in a torsen...)

If you swap in a 1.8, at least you will only need the guts to go torsen. The only hard part is getting the axle nuts off. But I usually have trouble getting my nuts off.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'll go check on that deal for the open 1.8.