I am looking for a cheap cheap IRS pumpkin, half shafts, and potentially driveshaft for my challenge car. It will be replacing a Miata 1.6l unit. We are planning a completely 'GRM' style build so as long as it can handle a fair amount of torque (say 300) and has a decent LSD, that is all I want.
I know the easy button is likely the Ford 8.8" but every one I have found is either open, super tall ratio, and/or way to expensive.
What do you guys have laying around the shop you can sell to a poor Challenge competitor? Stuff near Missouri is obviously best for postage reasons.
bluej
UltraDork
6/21/16 11:45 a.m.
Nissan units? Think 350z stock torsen style
The Nissan R200v also came in most RWD Infiniti cars pre 2003.
In reply to Stampie:
J30 and q45. Think you can actually get decent ratios with the q45 depending on year
Scour junkyards till you find a torsen unit from a Miata. I got mine for $125 (they pulled it for me) with axles, PPF, and carrier. Big brakes from the 99 donor were another $50.
Torsen Miata or Look for one the medium case diffs found in tons of late 70s, 80s BMWs in a variety of ratios.
Early datsun in 4wd trucks had r200 front difs with a 4:10 ratio. Used to run them in my ITS 240z
The LSD from a NA FC RX-7 differential was a swap option into the NA Miatas. It was a clutch type, and it swapped into the 1.8 Miata carrier. It could handle that torque for a little while or possibly longer, depending on how badly you abused it.
The 87-88 Turbo RX-7 was much bigger and could handle gobs of torque and it was also a clutch type. Good luck finding one, though.
Yeah, my problem is finding a decent unit with axles for a reasonable (challenge) price.
Heck, I just had an idea. I have an RX-8 LSD sitting in my garage I'd let go for $150, but shipping might be a bear. The RX-8 unit is set up to use a PPF, too.
If you were closer, I would be rather tempted. PPF?
Ovid_and_Flem wrote:
Early datsun in 4wd trucks had r200 front difs with a 4:10 ratio. Used to run them in my ITS 240z
A NA Z32 also has a R200 4.1 diff with a LSD. TT is 3.7 R230. Both will handle that amount of power with ease.
A 240sx has an R180 which is also plenty strong.
Lots of Subarus have R160s... they might be borderline strength wise. The rear LSD in those is worn out often though.
Early 2000's Ford Exploder. 3.73 gears and LSD are easy to be found.
Actually I have an NA FC RX7 with 4.10 gears and a clutch type LSD with axles I could let go of for cheap. LSD needs a shim to sharpen up. I even have a driveshaft for it.
Dave, that would be awesome but how would I get it to Missouri without spending $100 on shipping?
Also, the Explorer is a good idea that should be plentiful around here.
singleslammer wrote:
Dave, that would be awesome but how would I get it to Missouri without spending $100 on shipping?
Also, the Explorer is a good idea that should be plentiful around here.
Put it in a 5 gallon paint bucket taped up well and ship it greyhound. Cheap cheap cheap. Seriously.
PPF is a Power Plant Frame. FD RX-7s, Miatas and RX-8s use them, and their differentials are set up with mounting points for the various frames.
Anything limited-slip in a BMW medium case is usually surprisingly expensive. Think $300-400 for a high-mile as-is special. Usually no bargains there.
Make a parts bin 8.8? Diff assembly isn't all that difficult.
Andrew Nelson found mine, complete with the entire rear suspension and brakes from a FC RX7 turbo for cheap, but then he is the master at finding things cheap........ I do recommend the FC RX7 rear end as it is strong and has the same mounts as the Miata.
In reply to dherr:
The FC unit will bolt into my subframe?
My understanding is that the 7" FC rear ends will bolt into Miata subframes, but the 8" turbo rear ends do not. You may need axles from the 1.8 cars as both had the 7" rear ends. I believe there were LSD units for the GTU and other versions of the FC RX7 models besides the turbo.
In my challenge car, I just cut off the frame and modified the frame to allow me to bolt in the RX7 subframe, but that was a lot of work.....
Well I just quoted Shipping and greyhound said $120 from Boston to Columbia MO. Ouch. Off to the yards!
