In the course of searching for a solution for our weak differential carrier bearing caps, I came across some interesting findings. Not being one to reinvent the wheel at the drop of a hat (mingster style j/k ), I asked around to find out how others with potentially similar problems (Cobra Kits, Monster Miatas,

 

Interesting thread.

TOP.

 

I hate to change the subject, but has anyone tried the spoon diff?

http://www.modacar.com/honda/frameset_diff...tials_honda.htm

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gabedude
[B]I hate to change the subject, but has anyone tried the spoon diff?

That sounds like LSD only, does nothing to improve the strength of the carrier which RT is trying to solve.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bobway
[B]Oh.

 

Diff problems are all but unheard of on BMWs. Then again they don't need many revs to launch. My tires go up in smoke if I launch my "no-torque" E30 M3 above about 2500 RPM. They also have a capless design and beefy cases. Diffs in my prior bimmers withstood years and years of racing, autocross and street action without complaint.

Does the S2k have much shock absorbing along the power delivery path? On BMWs, a rubber donut called a "guibo" helps absorb shock and then gradually release it downstream. Basically they are roughly 5 inch diameter black rubber discs with 6 metal bushed bolt holes - three for the tranny output flange and three for the driveshaft input. If you pop the clutch, they slightly distort, reducing the instantaneous shock loading a useful degree without making anything feel vague or rubbery. They usually last around 3-6 years and cost about 40-50 bux.

Stan

 

Stan! long time no post
S2000 has no "guibo" just the springs in the clutch disk. BMW diff is a good thought, I'll ask around.

 

The old T-Bird uses an 8.8" diff with a cast nodular iron casing (new T-Bird uses an unrelated 8" diff) in it's IRS. The Mark-VIII and the current Cobra Mustang uses the same diff but in an aluminum case. I have one of each (S2000 and Cobra) and the diffs look totally and completely incompatible both in both attachment points and overall casing size. See my web site for extensive under-car pics of the diff in the Cobra.

This conversation probably started with a mistaken understanding of the "Monster Miata" - which in their lessor forms broke the Miata diff frequently and in their later forms had a T-Bird IRS swapped in place (non-trivial effort; requires the entire subframe and is considerably wider and heavier).

Somebody else mentioned that the S2000 diff is made by Mazda. My question: is it the same as the one on the Miata (internally, or perhaps the entire case)? At least internally identical? It's my understanding that the RX-7 diff is considerably stronger, yet is a direct swap case-for-case. And, the gearing is right for us. This may solve our problem...?????

Comments???

 

It's my understanding that the Monster Miatas started out with the Miata diff which couldn't hang followed by the RX-7 diff (which is similar to the S2000) which also couldn't hang followed by the T-Bird 7.5" which has worked fine. It is also my understanding that the 7.5" diff is not the HiPo one that was on the SC T-Bird models which, I believe, is the one jwfisher is speaking of but the more standard issue out of the V8 models.
I could be wrong here because I'm definitely not the "Ford Guy" but the horses mouth that this info came from is very intimate with the Monster Miata Stuff.
We are definitely looking for an education on this subject so any and all info is greatly appreciated

 

ttt