Truth! Definitely was a sticking point. I just couldn't (and still can't/won't) dig bolting on to a 1.6 that has higher miles, even though it tests healthy and runs great.

Hey, when I said "I appreciate the concern" I meant it. Constructive criticism is just that. I take no offense! I'm a stubborn SOB, though.

All this said, the goods have been paid for as of nearly two weeks ago and haven't shipped. Reputable vendor yes, but it's been too long... Time for a phone call. Motor's out, so something's got to go back in.

 

Are you getting the whole MSM drivetrain -- engine, trans, rear end? Or just the long block?

I mean, you're clearly not an imbecile so hopefully you're getting the MSM stuff really cheap. Good luck!

 

Just getting the engine complete w/ accessories, intake/baby-fmic stuff for now. My 5 speed is healthy enough, will get new clutch/fw, and I'll have to just deal w/ VLSD for now. If it bolts up and will run and drive, and I get some autox in that's my Year #1 plan (and budget).

The rest will come later. Hopefully I can sneak suspension in this year.

 

The 1.6 stock diffs fail at stock 1.6 power levels with regularity in normal street driving.

 

My 1.6 VLSD held up to nearly 20K of STREET driving (only used full throttle in 2nd or above and I had a conservative, sub-200, build). I was lucky. Not sure how it would hold up to Auto-X.

 

Start a savings account for a TORSEN Swap when the time comes. Planning to make the 1.6 diff go kaboom is a much better idea than reacting when it does happen.

https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...k-links-56507/

 

Agreed. No false hopes here. If it pukes its guts, I earned it.

 

Just a random add in.. rear end on the 1.6 isn't too hot, I'm sure everyone here would agree to replace it

 

Totally random, since at least 3 people in this very thread have already mentioned that and he agreed that it will likely give out soon too...

 

Just throwing this out there, and I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but the 1.6 rear differentials can be a weak link in the drivetrain. Just giving a heads-up.

 

At our last autox this season a buddy of mine had his 1.6 diff break under stock power. Was NOT pretty.

 

So do you think he should replace it?

 

I heard of this guy that knew a buddy who blew a 1.6 diff while autocrossing in a stock class.

Sorry, just a random thought i had.

 

Here's my thought on it: if you'd like to thrash on the 1.6 dif until it lets go, that's your prerogative. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is an *okay* (although not stellar) mentality to have here, especially because there's nothing saying that the 1.6 diff definitely WILL let go.. it just probably will.

The only kicker is: if and when it lets go it will let go with absolutely zero warning. My mate was on his 4th run of the day, and had a co-driver, and they had been thrashing on the car and everything was fantastic and then all of the sudden out of nowhere there was a really loud "snap" sound and a lot of grinding noises, and the car had zero power (to the wheels).

If you're okay with the fact you may find your differential suddenly and (mostly) unexpectedly breaks on you, and your car being unable to move under its own power, is going to cost you $$$$ (tow/rush order on new diff/labor if you're away from somewhere you can do it yourself etc. etc.) then just drive it till it lets go.

 

Folks, I just thought of something:

Being that the stock 1.6 diff is prone to failure, should I worry when my MSM is putting out real ultimate powar?



<serious>

I beat the crap out of my 1.6 VLSD on my '91 and it was happy. All the time. *shrug*

It's a track car. If it's broken on the track, I will tow it home and
I'll be the first to get out the oil dry, and clean up the mess, too.

 

No oil dry will be needed, just a tissue to wipe the tears.

 

Welcome to the forum!

so what are you doing with that 1.6 you currently have an extra of? if that wasn't already mentioned some where

 

I'll blow your 1.6 diff.

Do you look like the boy from the Toaster Strudel commercials?

I do.

 

I'm very uncomfortable

 

1.6 VLSD LOL that is as or worse than a open diff, probably worse due to the unpredictability. If you can snag the MSM diff complete with axels I'd jump on it. I really enjoyed the lock up characteristics of the MSM diff.

Here you go

http://www.diyautotune.com/

Rather than getting all this sound advice and having to tell all of us to **** off, you can just get your ecu and go back to miata.net lol