Very excited about my next mod. My Copen rolled off the assembly line in April 2004 - but was marketed as a 2005 Copen. Anyway, like all of the early first generation Copens, it came with a standard differential. I was aware of after market LSDs for L880K, but they were not cheap and perhaps not suitable for street driving. Then I discovered that the later years of first generation JDM Copen production had an optional 1.5 way LSD. Daihatsu part number: 41100-97220. Below is a new one, I just bought a 40,000 km used one on Yahoo for ¥ 35,000. Will report back when I get it and have it installed.
Ok, I need to call on the knowledge of the community. Regarding the JDM 5 speed manual (trans)mission, I am unclear on how the export models differ from either JDM type. From a kanji blog post: "You can tell whether this LSD is contained in your Copen by looking at the identification number affixed to the mission case. You can see it from the engine room. 523 if it is open diff, 524 is LSD equipped car." Well, my Copen was manufactured for export in April 2004, and the bar code sticker on the 'mission, reads 525! Of course I knew that this early very basic Copen would not have an LSD. So what is the difference between a 523 'mission and a 525??? Has me going hmmm. Is the export gearbox different than JDM, maybe different gear ratios?. I know my export model speedometer goes to 220 km/h, while JDM speedometer goes to only 140 km/h. I have googled like crazy and have not been able to find the answer. This is important to me. My gearbox has over 160,000 kms on it. If it does wear out, could a JDM gearbox be used as a replacement? Or do I need to snag a 525 export gearbox while I can - there is exactly one of those available in New Zealand. Thanks, Joy
I can't imagine they would have made more than 1 gearbox for the turbo copen. More likely different diff ratios or types. JDM cars were electronically limited, hence the different speedo.
Thanks Jez. Since I went to a bit of trouble doing the research, attached are the files I found, translated, and edited:
That's interesting, the super LSD is a Torsen style. I'd love one of those, never been a fan of the clutch style LSD. Is that the one you have brought?
Yes, I bought the Torsen, which was standard OEM in the later years of the first generation Copen. Maybe not as track worthy as a D-Sport LSD unit, but no maintenance and fine for everyday driving. In retrospect, I have done it the hard way. Anyone with an old gearbox can buy a used 524 series gearbox from Japan with low kms on it and get the LSD inside for free already installed. The second generation Copens have LSD as standard equipment, but I do not know if it is the same one I bought.
So, you definitely have the gearbox with the open differential. If you ever need a new gearbox, you can always find the 524 versions with LSD on yahoo auctions Japan: Copen manual mission for L880K 524 Copen manual mission Ay L880K 524: Real Yahoo auction salling
I have the diff, and it is waiting for the transmission guy to swap it for the open diff in my second gearbox. Then to install the LSD gearbox in the car.
After 3 months in the queue for the gearbox specialist to rebuild, I finally had the low kms gearbox rebuilt to perfection (new seals and bearings) with the LSD installed. Also installed the 4 pcs D-Sport clutch kit with the lighter weight flywheel and competition clutch. The whole shebang is now in the Copen replacing my original factory kit with 165,000 kms on it. WOW! What a difference. The gearbox is tight, revving up is quicker, and the clutch feel is great. As far as the LSD effect, I need to wait for a rainy day to assess that for sure. But, I do not brake or even slow down for roundabouts now and no problems.
