I've just bought a 6 speed bugeye conversion for my version 2 gc8, the conversions comes with a r160 3.9 differential, I was wondering would there be any point in me swapping to a r180 diff?

I'm looking at running 450bhp max, will the r160 drive shafts cope?
My car already has the 2 pot calipers off a type ra on the rear?
Are the brembos much better or roughly the same?
And I'm looking at fitting a cusco 1.5 way lsd diff in or should I not bother and just use the mechanical one?

Would it be worth my while?

 

If you fit a r180 rear diff you gonna need the hubs ..brembo etc..The whole sti set up. A lot more work and expense.
I don't think the brembo will make a noticeable difference anyway.
With regard to strength of your r160..I know two people I sprint with running r160 diffs with 6 speeds. One has put over 500 bhp through his r160 for the last 5 years or so. The other 450 bhp through his..and they both used hard. Neither had any probs. If your 3.9 diff is from a early sti RA with Dccd box it should be plated I believe.

 

I ran 523bhp for 10k miles through and R160 3.9, so should be fine as long as its healthy

 

I'm more worried about the drive shafts as I'm looking at putting a Cusco 1.5 way in anyway