On Thu, 29 Apr 1999, m.roadster performance usa, l.l.c. wrote:
> Is a limited slip really worth it for autocrossing?
Yes. I think it's very worthwhile. My old Miata had the Viscous LSD and
it would not provide much slip limitation at times. Maybe I might have
been able to eliminate some of that wheelspin with a prodigious front
swaybar, but it was very frustrating at times.
<<snip>>
> but my question is...is it worth it just for a torsen? i'm not convinced
> that "extra weight" such as the power locks, sound system etc. is any
> difference whatsoever in performance.
>
> thoughts?
I drive a '96 Miata R. It has a crappy stereo and no power anything and
no A/C. It's very light and it autocrosses pretty well. But, I can go
just about as fast in my friend's '94 C package which has A/C and a really
nice stereo and power windows - it weighs about 150 - 175 lbs more than my
car and is similarly prepared (except that it has Tokicos, Blasphemy!!).
Add to the equation that the '94 and '95 Miatas have a smidge less
power and torque (-5hp,-4ft/lbs) than the '96 and '97s as well as an
earlier version of the Torsen. This doesn't seem to stop Mr. Doganis in
his '94 R.
I would say go for the added luxury, it doesn't weigh that much and won't
have a siginificant effect on your car's performance. I think it would all
be worth it to get the Torsen.
Bret Dodson
'96 Miata R red/white
Seattle, WA
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