Ok not sure how to find this answer. Was it possible (in the U.S.) to get the limited slip rear end in a "S" model - from the factory? And if so, was it part of a "package" or could it be ordered separately? I'm looking to upgrade a "S" to this rear end - under SCCA rules - ie factory installed.
Thanks for any help and info - sources
mdb

 

no, only the GSL(3.90) and GSL-SE(4.08) came from the factory with a limited slip differential(with rear disc brakes). the S and GS grades came with the 3.90 and drum brakes. swapping in a limitied slip axle with disc brakes is a common upgrade many people do.

 

What class/region are you running in SCCA?

I believe most if not all will allow this modification even in spec7.

 

Technically true, however, some sale brochures claimed the LSD/rear disc option was available for the GS thru special order, during the 83-85 run. I believe power windows were also orderable in the GS.

As far as SCCA classes, swapping a factory available option is usually allowed, even if the option was not available on the specific year/trim level, as long as it is a direct bolt-in swap.

 

If my memory serves, all of these options were possible, not simply limited to the salesbrochure. For example I had obtained for customer request a few base model with all options except Sunroofs. Nevertheless you could be presenting to your sanctioning body some old Invoices, yet they can refuse to accept in any case.

 

could be true, however, in my travels, i've never seen an S or GS with any GSL options.

 

I saw, and almost bought, a new 83 LE with LSD/disc brake rear. It also had the aero body kit/spoiler added to it. I decided not to spend the $10K-ish asking price, mostly cause I didn't like silver and it's rapid rate of deteriation that was very common at the time.
I didn't know the rear disc was an added option, until the saleman pointed it out.



Yes, I have kicked myself in the *backside* many times for not buying that car.........

 

Sorry for the delay in getting back, "Notification of replies" is not working for me for some reason.

For clairification, the car is going to be used (maybe - depending on answer) in "Stock Rear Wheel Drive" in Rallycross.

I am familiar with the usual trim designations (having had 35 - 40 1st Gens since 82) but have never dug into what was available when "ordering" from the factory.

When I bought my first - and only "new" - "7" in 1982; it was a "S" with only the larger wheels and tires as optional equipment. (The sales guys in Reno thought they were going to have a hard time selling the car - what with no options and even no "air"; but I bought it almost as they unloaded it from the transporter - with no dealer prep. It was exactly what I wanted for Solo II !)

So the real question is exactly - what "could" have been ordered from the factory for a "S" model in 1985?? And if the LSD/Disk Rear was "available", was it part of a "package" (since I would then have to install everything in said package to be legal)?? I guess I am looking for someone with an old "brochure" or "other" documentation that would define the available options. Is there anyone out there who has - or knows where to find "old paper" on this subject??

And does "instant notification" work for everyone else?? I am not getting it on ANY subscribed threads and can see nothing wrong in the profile or set up - it used to work fine a year ago!!

THANKS TO ALL !!

 

i have the brochure from 85 and it makes no reference to what options were available on the S model, only standard equipment and what was not available on model grades. it indicated that only the GSL and GSL-SE were available with the limited slip and rear disc brakes, which are the only two models i have ever seen with the rear disc brakes. not saying that a dealer couldnt swap in the limited slip rear end. i'm just going by the mazda literature that i have. also too, think that if the disc brakes and limited slip were available on all model grades, wouldnt you see more S and GS models with them? if you'd like i can post a pic or two of the brochure's pages.

 

Well, you may have the answer, and it would be "no" ( . It would have to be "factory installed", as "dealer installed" wouldn't cut it to be "legal". Unless anyone else has some other type of document saying otherwise??? I may be screwed on this idea,,,,,,,, but maybe some things were available that were not listed as such in the Sales Brochure????? Anyone??? Or I will have to go with plan "B" and use the "SE" (which is the eventual plan anyway - just wanted to do this one first in the mean time)........

 

Well other than the diff and discs, the differences between an S and a GSL aren't huge. That was the main "big" difference I thought.

I'd go the route of trying to find out what the minimum number of options would be to make your car a GSL "Package". I've seen a GSL without a sunroof, so I know that's possible, and I know a few GSLs without A/C.

You may just have to swap the rear, and add cruise control... don't know if you could get a GSL without power windows...

It's worth considering.

Jon