Trying to convert my '84 GSL to 4x114.3 for the wheels i have. I know you can use GSL-SE stuff but what exactly is needed and how much work is it? Instead of using the -se parts, can I just redrill for 4x114.3? What exactly is required front and rear for that? I know this has been asked before and everything im just tired of reading so many threads and i'm still a little confused. Thanks

 

Things you will need can actually be broken down in to two specific directions, and the path you choose is your own lol

1 : easier way ) since you have an 84 gsl to start with this will be simple as hell. Buy -se calipers, rotors and axles. I stall and done. You may need the -se ebrake cable as well

2: harder way ) get a pair of fc front strut assemblies with knuckles, hubs, rotors, 4 piston calipers, fc t2/vert master cylinder and brake booster, -se axles (or complete rear end), steel for fabricating the rear caliper mounting brackets, and new rims (15" minimum) Dismantle the fc strut assemblies, and reassemble using fb springs and top hats. Bolt them in and you have 4 piston calipers on the front as well as the 5x114.3 bolt pattern, and a max positive rim offset of +35. For the rear have the -se axles redrilled to the 5x114.3 bolt pattern, and then fabricate your rear caliper mounting brackets, followed by the proper brake lines and connections (not too hard). Connect fc t2/vert brake booster and master cylinder, bleed the system and check for leaks, and enjoy your 4 piston brakes and new bolt pattern.

I like option 2. Its much more work, but you get bigger brakes out of it and have a reason to get a nice 15" rim other than just for looks. Also the addition of positive offset tolerances will allow you to run a wider variety of rim depths. Its not quite what you were looking for, but its totally worth while in the long run.

 

Uhhhh i think ill go with option 1.. haha! Option 2 seems like a lot of money even though it is better so for the front, all i need is the calipers and rotors? And then for the rear i need the calipers, rotors, and axles? Any other work i need to do?

 

Wheres the best place to buy the calipers? I found these, i know this link is just for the rear right one, but they're what i want right? Also, where can i buy the axles from? Since the front obviously doesnt have axles do you have to drill the fronts then or how does that work?

Disc Brake Caliper Friction Choice Caliper Rear Left Reman Fits 84 85 Mazda RX 7 | eBay

 

Also, can i just redrill my axles for 4x114.3? Seems like finding the -se ones is going to be a little hard. Sorry for all the questions haha

 

When you buy the new front rotors they should come wih hubs iirc. These will already be in your desired bolt pattern. I *think* that the calipers will bolt to the same locations as the gsl calipers. With the rear im not sure if you need the extra length of the se axles for everything to clear, or if the gsl axles will work. If the clearances are correct then i would just have a shop plug weld the old holes and drill the new ones in 4x114.3. My guess is that you will probably need to pick up the se axles though. They have to be longer for one reason or another, just not sure what the reason is.

Im going with option 2 myself, but im starting with an 85 gs so ive got a bit of work ahead of me. I have like 85% of my parts, just gotta get se axles and fc front strut housings. For my setup, i know for a fact that the stock axles i have now are not long enough to clear the fc components.

 

Im not sure if those are gsl calipers or gslse calipers. I know that both of them use the same pads, but i havent seen enough of either to tell the difference.

 

You will also need the piece that goes behind the rotor, circular piece of steel. That is bigger to accomodate the larger rotors. Also need larger dust cap for the rotor.

 

Why not just use adapters..

 

Because adapters suck, and most tracks wont let you use them anyways. If you are going to do it, then do it right

 

Yup. I totally forgot about the dust shields. My bad...

 

Okay so mazdatrix and black dragon have all the stuff I'll need. So for 4x114.3 I'll need:

Pair of front calipers for a GSL-SE
Pair of rear calipers for a GSL-SE
Front and rear rotors from a GSL-SE
Brake pads all around
Dust shield and caps
Handbrake lines for rear

So the GSL-SE calipers should bolt up to my GSL right?

And one last thing, so I do need the GSL-SE axles then? Where can i buy those?

 

If the calipers don't come with it, you will also need the caliper mounting bracket, boot, and bolt.

It will probably be cheaper to find calipers and rotors from a parts supplier other then mazdatrix and black dragon unless you want factory parts.

 

Yep that looks like a good list. The calipers should bolt up no problem. Not sure if the se axles are NEEDED, but i would do them anyways. Like i said i know they are longer, and they will be in the right bolt pattern so you wont need to get them redrilled.