Jump to content

Photo

Parts Spotlight: Miata Differential Brace

- - - - -

  • Please log in to reply
3 replies to this topic

#1
Johnny D

Johnny D

    Veteran Member

  • Moderators
  • 6,121 posts
  • Location:Fremont, CA
  • Region:San Francisco
  • Car Year:1999
  • Car Number:88

DiffBraces1-400x244.jpg

 

Two-piece brace protects the differential housing in the event of contact

Part No: 0000-02-5160-MC
Racer Price: $35.00

On 1.8-liter NA and NB Miatas the OEM differential housing has a notch on the passenger-side arm that is designed to help the unit absorb energy in the case of an accident. Mazda engineers designed the housing in such a way that the differential would separate first during a major street accident, absorbing energy and protecting larger components from damage. This is a great idea for a road car, but in a race car – especially a Spec Miata where close racing is the norm – that design element can become problematic, turning what would otherwise be inconsequential contact into the end of a race.

 

DiffBraces3-400x244.jpg

 

Fortunately, as of the February 2018 edition of SCCA’s General Competition Rules, it is now possible to strengthen that arm and eliminate the engineered energy absorption point. Mazda Motorsports offers laser-cut plates that are designed to fit onto the differential housing of first- and second-generation 1.8-liter Miatas. Welded onto the differential housing in the proper positions, they effectively eliminate the designed separation point. Cut to fit perfectly – even accommodating the pin on the back of the differential arm (and using it for proper placement) – securing the 3/16-inch aluminum plates require no other modification to the differential housing.

 

The differential braces are now available from Mazda Motorsports. Log on to order or call (800) 435-2508.

 

DiffBraces2.jpg


  • FTodaro likes this
2011 NASA Western Endurance Racing Championship E3 Champ
We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Beta-Tester - Assisted us with beta testing the website. Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver Novel Approach - When a paragraph simply won't do... Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill - Survive the 25, NASA Thunderhill Instigator - Made a topic or post that inspired other Make it Rain - Made Paypal donation of $100+

#2
Ron Alan

Ron Alan

    Veteran Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,732 posts
  • Location:Northern CA
  • Car Year:1995

Is this part stamped like the sub-frame pieces? Are we not allowed to cut our own aluminum plate and do this? 


Ron

RAmotorsports

 

Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver

#3
Jim Drago

Jim Drago

    East Street Racing / 2 Time National Champion

  • Administrators
  • 6,566 posts
  • Location:Memphis, Tn
  • Region:Mid South
  • Car Year:2005
  • Car Number:2

Is this part stamped like the sub-frame pieces? Are we not allowed to cut our own aluminum plate and do this? 

We are and quite frankly and while I am biased, I like mine much better :)  the problem is not the buying the piece, it is most can't or dont have a tig

 

http://mazdaracers.c...ential-housing/

Jim


East Street Auto Parts
Jim@Eaststreet.com
800 700 9080

NASA Champs Winner - NASA Champs Winner Hoosier Super Tour points Champion - Hoosier Super Tour points Champion ARRC Champion - Won the ARRC Race in a Spec Miata Series Champ - Won a points based series in a Spec Miata BFG Supertour Winner - Majors Winner - Circuit of the Americas Winner - We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner June Sprints winner  - June Sprints winner SCCA National Champion - Won SCCA Runoffs at Road America SCCA National Champion - Won SCCA Runoffs at Road America

#4
Marc Cefalo

Marc Cefalo

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 159 posts
  • Location:Northeast Pa
  • Region:NEPA
  • Car Year:1997
  • Car Number:#00

We are and quite frankly and while I am biased, I like mine much better :)  the problem is not the buying the piece, it is most can't or dont have a tig

 

http://mazdaracers.c...ential-housing/

Jim

agreed, whats offered is not enough as early versions that we braced just on one side could still be broken.  the right way is both front and rear along with both sides of the carrier.....if it breaks after that....well the owner has much more to worry about as the chassis has GOT to be written off.


Marc Cefalo

www.planet-miata.com

 

570-262-1013 direct

#1 source for new and used Miata parts and accessories.

We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users