Miata Mailing List: July 1992, Message #19
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   From: (none)
Subject: LSD
   Date: (none)

On the subject of Limited Slip Differentials- the factory lsd on the Miata
is, I understand, a si somewhat limited limited slip device.
I recall being told that an aftermarket lsd will have a greater effect,
just how much I don't know.  In SCCA road racing c-stock class, you may
not use any lsd.  

My Miata has the stock lsd and I can tell you what it will do, and what it
won't do, and I have 18,000+ miles on a previous Miata without lsd to com-
pare.  In about 97% of driving, (this depends on how you drive...) you will
not notice the difference.  I drive hard and it's still hard to notice, until:
you find yourself getting the rear loose, especially in the wet.  the thing
breaks loose easier, and it seems to be more controllabel controllable.  (My
PC - modem connection disallows any backspace or corrections)  In snow or ice,
of which I have very limited experience, the grip is better, since usually the
problem is that one wheel spins.  when accelerating back onto a ba paved road,
the thing kicks in nicely- when one sic side of the car is still in gh the dirt
the traction is well divided.  I think that if the Miata had more power you'd
feel the effects more on dry pavement.  Almost any situation where you have
substantial wheel spin will invoke it's effect.
-Bix