Differential In The Car

Feels like a big accomplishment to have the differential and suspension mounts (Miata subframe) all in the car. Wasn’t that long ago I was just trying to get the diff into the subframe. It’s not completely finished but the first test fit is looking really good. 

One of the funny things is the Miata brace that goes under the subframe. Once narrowed it looks laughable. I often feel like I am working on a toy car. 

Not a lot of in process pictures. Was just trying to make progress. Can take pictures later. 

Might add that the differential is an E36 medium case. Was looking for something that was a clutch or torsion limited slip that had a ratio of 2.98 or 2.67 ish so it would match well with the transmission I was using (a BMW 5 speed). I do not want it to be revving like crazy at freeway speed. It'll have more than enough HP to start off from the line. I didn't find many differentials in this ratio with an OEM LSD. There were a few but decided to go this way. Wasn't the best fit but oh well. 

One benefit of using the BMW diff is I can buy one driveshaft and get the right ends and just lengthen or shorten it. I had one of these differentials with the clutch LSD in my BMW with a LS1 (400 hp) and I quite liked it. Sadly finding a LSD version proved to be difficult and I settled on a Welded diff for now. Can switch out the guts later if need be.