Difference between 1st Gen RX7's
 

Is there any site or thread where I can read up on the various 1st gen series and models, their differences etc.?
The relevant links in the FAQ seem to be dead for me

I read that already but I want more detailed information about the specific differences between each of those models - when did the long taillight bar come in, what are the differences between GS, GSL, GSL-SE and so on, what options did they have, details about the engines and drivetrain used etc.

You can find all the information in the different sales brochures across years.

1985

The rest can be found here. Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

There are several thread on the forum that go over this; Here is one: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...-levels-22913/

More info about the differences: http://www.motortrend.com/news/buyer...85-mazda-rx-7/

When the first-series SA RX-7 (named for the first two letters of its VIN tag) arrived on the scene in 1978 as a ’79 model, it was an instant success, unlike the rotary-powered coupes that came before it: the pretty Cosmo 110 (MTC, November/December 2005) and the ungainly RX-3. Using a two-rotor version of Dr. Felix Wankel’s rotary engine, the RX-7’s 1.1-liter mill (designated 12A) produced 100 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. That was enough to push its 2350 pounds to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds, acceptable for the day. The engine was extremely light and compact, allowing it to be mounted behind the front axle, which contributed to the 50/50 weight distribution. Moreover, the rotary engine was so uniquely smooth as it spun up, an electric buzzer was installed to warn drivers of blasting straight through the 7000-rpm redline.

The RX-7’s chassis was heavily based on the RX-3’s. MacPherson struts and coil springs kept things simple and compact up front, while the rear live axle was located via Watts link. While not the most sophisticated setup, the arrangement kept the RX-7 cheap and endowed it with lively handling and a bit of rear-axle hop under certain conditions. A disc/drum combination was fitted front/rear, and a four-speed manual gearbox came standard. (A five-speed manual or three-speed auto were optional.)

Big changes came for the 1981 model year, when the car went into its second series as the FB. The bumpers that previously looked tacked on were better integrated into the Mazda‘s sheetmetal; new interior upholstery options were added; and the rear taillights were given a smoother, more cohesive refresh. A reworked front spoiler lowered the car’s drag coefficient and measurably reduced front-end lift. The car also received a new emissions control system that utilized catalytic converters instead of the primitive thermal reactor setup with which it debuted. This meant fuel economy increases and improvements in driveability. The four-speed manual was dropped for the new model year, making the five-speed standard. The other big news was the new GSL package. Enthusiasts appreciated that the package included new 14-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. (All previous cars had front discs and rear drums.) Unfortunately, the discs were packaged with a sunroof, power windows, and other niceties that added to curb weight, sending it just above 2400 pounds.

In our June 1982 issue, Motor Trend ran a comparison test among a RX-7 GSL, Nissan280ZX, and Toyota Supra. Though the Mazda’s meager power compared with the competition landed it in last place by the performance numbers (a deficiency even a 700-pound curb weight advantage couldn’t offset), we praised the RX-7 as the best-handing, best-steering, most fun-to-drive, and purest sports car of the group. All it needed was more power.

That power came in 1984. While the little 12A continued on as the volume engine, it was joined by Mazda’s new 13B rotary, a lengthened 12A engine that displaced 1.3 liters to the 12A’s 1.1 and produced about 30 percent more power — 135 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. Sold exclusively in the new flagship RX-7 GSL-SE, the six-port 13B incorporated a unique intake system and fuel injection, further antiquating the carbureted 12A. Straight-line performance improved dramatically. In our February 1984 road test, a GSL-SE hit the 60-mph mark in fewer than 8 seconds, a near 2-second improvement over the 12A-powered car.

The 1984 model year brought other changes as well. The interior was thoroughly redesigned, and while the materials were of better quality, the design was less focused, with more switchgear on the center stack and the center-mounted tachometer now sharing the middle of the gauge cluster with the speedometer. The four-wheel disc brakes were larger, and the rear trailing arms were mounted 20mm lower for improved handling. (Our test showed the GSL-SE produced higher lateral acceleration than the contemporary Lotus Turbo Esprit and Ferrari 308 GTSi.) The car was also more expensive — more than $2000 above the 12A-equipped GSL from our previous comparison. By June 1985, it was all over. Production ceased to make way for the all-new FC series RX-7, a blander, heavier, though more capable car powered exclusively by the 13b.

Today, the first-generation RX-7 hasn’t caught on in the collector market as the Datsun 240Z has, but that’s good news for prospective purchasers, because prices remain low. With more than 80 percent of first-generation RX-7 production exported to the U.S., there are the remnants of some 377,878 cars to choose from, and a simple Craigslist search in any major city turns up at least a few examples any week of the year. Is it time for you to take the rotary plunge?HROUGH THE YEARS

1979

SA RX-7 launches in U.S. with 12A engine, Campagnolo-inspired alloys, and optional plaid interior. Early body style with “cut-out” rear license plate mounting area, chunky bumpers. Four-speed manual transmission is standard; five-speed manual or three-speed automatic optional. Optional GS package includes rear anti-roll bar, five-speed.

1980

Electronic ignition replaces previous mechanical, points-based system.

1981

Mazda refreshes the RX-7 to create the FB series. Bumpers are better integrated, rear end restyled, new front spoiler, interior subtly refreshed. New alloy wheels introduced. Redesigned emissions system and new intake manifold improve fuel economy. Four-speed manual is dropped; five-speed now standard. GSL package includes sunroof, alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes. Leather is a rare option.

1983

Speedometer max changes to 130 mph after federally mandated 85 mph max is binned.

1984

Interior redesigned with harder-wearing materials, contemporary design. Front valence gets twin lower grilles to aid in brake cooling. Optional 135-hp, fuel-injected 13B engine introduced in GSL-SE model with limited-slip differential, larger brakes, unique wheels. Clutch strengthened, rear trailing arms modified for better stability, optional four-speed auto replaces three-speed (no auto option for GSL-SE).

1985

Last year of the FB RX-7. 1986 brings all-new FC with 13B only.

the rear section changed in 81 with the designation to fb. gs were standard models, while the gsl were optioned with disc rear, sun roof, power mirrors, and upgraded stereo. the gsl-se had all that and went from carbed 12a to fuel injected 13b. someone else may have more detailed differences but this is just what i know about them.

Interesting point, When I was new to Rx7's we had one main email list (rx7@world.std.com) I frequented Felix Miata's site (Felix's Rotary Engine FAQ Menu) ,Dave Disney ( Dave's Home Page), Web Ring was great but dead. Most modern resources set to be less SA/FB technical specific and general restoration info.

Great links, interesting stuff. Web Rings on Geocities FTW!

All of my questions are all, practically, answered. Thank you! I had been wondering the differences since I noticed the different options.