1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

12a fb or 13b gsl-se?

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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 07:03 PM
  #1  
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12a fb or 13b gsl-se?

Hello everyone, I'm going to be picking up a first gen rx7 sometime in the near future. My goal is to have a streetable,reliable track car, that can reach around 12.5 1/4's.

I'm trying to plan ahead on which first gen I should buy,which would be the cheapest but most efficient way to reach my goal. the 12a or 13b.

12a full bolt ons and porting, and maybe a turbo set up running low low boost, a gsl se rear end swap for breaks and bolt patterns, full aftermarket suspension and whatever else I have in mind..

13b with full bolt ons and porting and maybe a turbo if needed, efi/ecu upgrades (which I am having problems finding a company that makes those aftermarket parts) and then full aftermarket suspension on top of that.

out of these two what would you choose to be the most reliable, cost effective and best choice to be able to get a hold of parts and why? Thank you soo much for your time everyone!
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 08:20 PM
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'85 12a
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84-85 s model with a t2 swap and an LSD.
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 08:33 PM
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if I wanted a t2 I would just go with a fc!
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 10:51 PM
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I have had both and I prefer the 12A. Simpler to work on, 13 inch wheels easier to turn with no power steering. Ugly interior on the GSL-SE and if you are tall, you won't fit because the sun roof and the "height adjustable" seat takes away about two inches. I like and enjoy the classic 79-83 interior with the big tachometer in the front. 84-85 looks too modern to me. Also, fuel injection while cool is way more potentially problematic and difficult to diagnose as well as expensive.

my opinions... Yours may vary
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 11:58 PM
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premix, for f's sake
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grenick85, where in WI are you located?



and yeah, a T2 swap with a fresh LSD rear and good tires would be the easiest, most reliable way to hit your goal
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Old Aug 5, 2014 | 07:22 AM
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I'm located in lacrosse wi, and it sounds to me like I should be looking for a fc not first gen unless I want a nice car to cruise around in.
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by grenick85
I'm located in lacrosse wi, and it sounds to me like I should be looking for a fc not first gen unless I want a nice car to cruise around in.

Are you looking for a rocket ship, a daily driver, a summer toy or what? Hard to recommend something without know what you are looking for.
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 01:21 PM
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like I said in original post, my goal is to have a reliable street car that I can take out to the track maybe a couple times a year and have some fun, I'd have it set up for circut/autox but 1/4 goal would be high 12's - low 13's
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 03:07 PM
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'85 12a
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A 12a Rx7 is the world's most reliable car. Drive to work, a track weekend, AX, and change the oil. Your 1/4 mile time may vary.
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 03:19 PM
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My 82 12a is my only car. 82,000 and leaks oil all over the place. But she drives better and better every day and has never failed me yet. Just curious cause I have no idea. Could a 13b say that?

Sent from my iPad using RX7Club. how bout that!
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 09:19 PM
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I have the chance to buy a 83 limited edition fb, $2000 not a spec of rust on the body good interior, one owner its whole life so far, 120k miles no rebuild, new clutch 2 years ago with a couple hundred miles on it
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Old Aug 7, 2014 | 12:09 AM
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You can't go wrong in my opinion.. I would buy it..
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Old Aug 7, 2014 | 05:58 AM
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yeah as long as this thing is clean underneath and seems like a good runner im going to pick it up, I guess it has only seen snow a low number of times and it being owned and purchased by an older guy to live up to 120k miles and still run without a rebuild it must have been really well maintained its whole life.
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