Needing 1.8 parts for 1.6 when buying Torsen

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
1

Hi guys,

I am hoping to change the open diff on my mx5 to a torsen diff. I have a 1.6 and i am aware the torsen is used with 1.8 parts. My question is this:

After reading online I know if you have a 1.6 you have to buy the drive shaft and the 2 half shafts inorder to fit a torsen. Is this the case for every 1.6L MX5?

I know it would definetly be true if i had a MK1 MX5 that was 1.6L. However after going to a few places, with people having shown me their drive shafts/halfshafts on their 1.8L MX5. They look and seem to measure identical to mine.

So is the case of needing all those extra parts, when you have a 1.6L, only applicable for the MK1 mazda? When it comes to the MK2/MK2.5 are the drive shaft and two half shafts the same dimensions/size for the 1.6 vs 1.8?

For context (incase in changes anything) mine is a 2004 1.6L Euphonic MK2.5 MX5.

Cheers guys

  1. My model of MX-5 is: mk2.5
  2. I’m based near: MK
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: torsen
2

The MK2 1.6 was fitted with the same diff as the 1.8. The early MK1 1.6 had a smaller diff but this was abandoned due to issues with the smaller ring gear failing.

I’d suggest taking a look at the ‘Diff Spotters Guide’ to be certain of what you have, but a 1.8 Torsen should be a straight swap with no requirement for half shaft or driveshaft replacement

There is another useful resource here