BulldogMiata16

I just purchased some 15x8 XXR's with great tires for my Mia when lo-and-behold a complete 4.1 Torsen swap shows up on Craigslist. He is looking for some wheels just like mine as a partial trade for his Torsen. He wants $400 on top of my wheels and tires for the swap. Now I have to decide if I want to go for looks or performance. My Miata is a 91 with the 1.6, and I am getting very tired of the 4250rpm for 3 hours on my way to and from school that results from the VLSD I have now. I'm assuming the 4.3-to-4.1 ratio change will make the car "slower", but going to college in the middle of nowheresville doesn't offer any racing opportunities whatsoever, so speed isn't a big concern. I plan on making more power down the road, so this is just a local opportunity that I might/might not want to miss out on.

So my question to you is: What would you do?

Thanks guys,
Callaway

18psi

iTrader: (76)

if those xxr's are 0 offset I would get rid of those pieces of ****
I'd work that price down to like 200-300 on top and do it.
however, just know that 4.3-4.1 is a VERY small difference in rpm, just go to FM's gearing calculator and see for yourself.

that swap is not nearly as much for reducing cruise rpm as it is for having a stronger/better rear end.
if you want lower revs get at least 3.9, or ideally 3.6

Miater

What does the Torsen come with? your gonna need the axles and drive shaft as well.

$400 plus the wheels with what are called "great" tires is not a good deal for just the diff. If its for the whole deal, axles and all, that's not too bad.

If the car really is just for goin to school and what have ya, looks shouldn't be a factor anyway. Keep the wheels in smallish stock sizes and save on tires. Try on some other Miata factory wheels, it changes the appearance quite a bit and they can be had for little to nothin.

This is a good opportunity to dodge the same wheels as an *** ton of people and get a Torsen in the car. Your gonna need it.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

this decision will determine if you're a man or a girl

BulldogMiata16

Which choice is the man choice? The CR.net guys are telling me to keep the wheels because with no track around, there's no "bitches to be had."

18psi

iTrader: (76)

nevermind.......lost cause

BulldogMiata16

I knew I was going to get that.

wannafbody

iTrader: (1)

If you aren't tracking it you don't need the torsen

thenuge26

iTrader: (2)

Torsen. I have an open right now, and it sucks even at stock levels.

2ndGearRubber

Try going through 6+ inches inches of PA snow/ice with an open diff.



OP: Buy a torsen. They're great in bad weather, increase resale, and make the car drive better, especially in tight corners. Go to an autox event. You don't need go be a track rat to benefit from a proper diff.

BulldogMiata16

I have a VLSD, just to clarify.

hochkis

If you like to drive aggressively get the torsen. Because you will have to replace it later when it breaks anywho.

petrolmed

iTrader: (8)

I'm going to assume you're kidding and are not actually wondering.

The torsen is something you should pick up when you find a deal whether you're racing or not for various reasons. This guy wants your sikkkkkk wheels in a trade so do it, but like 18psi said get the $400 overhead down a little.

I noticed a pleasant dip in rpms from the 4.3 to 4.1 ratio. Nothing crazy and the 3.9 will do more for you here but it's very nice to be below 4k at cruising speed and have more gear to work with.

This is your opportunity to restart on your wheel choice for something more functional and less heavy. Suck it up and go without having wider wheels for now.

2ndGearRubber

The club ricer thread is hilarious.

thenuge26

iTrader: (2)

Technically you do, but now it is closer to an open diff than a LSD.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

link?

BulldogMiata16

Here ya go

Wheels or a Torsen? - ClubRoadster.net

18psi

iTrader: (76)

I want to sell my car every time I visit CR.

Makes me lose faith in the Miata Community

2ndGearRubber

That's because the CR community is really the honda community that got bored with hondas.