My dad just got me an '85 GSL... I have not seen it yet, but he says it does not have power steering. This has the 12A engine, correct? The engine has 115,000 miles on it, just had a bunch of things replaced, radiator, etc. It is a 5speed. How long do these 12a's usually go before needing a rebuild? Once the rotary goes, Im thinking about dropping an SBC in it. Did any of the GSL's come with the LSD rear end? If so, how do you determine this?

 

Rotaries can be good for 200,000 miles +. All of the GSLs had LSD...

 

So it doesn't matter if its not a GSL-SE? It has the LSD?

 

That's right, they both had the LSD...

 

Dude, I know your new to rotary engines, but understand just 1 thing, friends don't let friends drive piston engines. Don't be a tool, keep your rotary all mazda. And by the way, welcome to the forum. As for power steering, it's highly overated in a car as light as the rx, plus it just more things to wear out, for very little gain. I hope you enjoy your 1st rx as much as I did.

 

my 85' GSL doesnt have power steering, odd...Welcome to the forums.

 

How do I know if this is the 12A or 13B engine? Im thinking its the 13B, but I'm not sure.

 

Look on the top of the engine, to each side of the Oil Fill Spout.

 

Sorry, when I said I think its the 13B, I meant 12A... I don't know how to edit the post though.

 

Yep, GSLs have the 12A and a carb, strictly old school. Welcome to the club, the 84/85 GSLs were the best and most affordable 7s ever made! There's a bunch of photos of these incredible machines and some common problems and repairs at my cardomain pages:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/479957

And of course this forum will provide all the information you need, and then some.

Ray