Hey Guys, I got an automatic 84 GSL. I was wondering how reliable these cars are, I also have a manual 84 GSL, but want to know a lil bit more about the automatic, like their weakness here and there... Let me know!!

-WichyMazda

 

Automatics are just slower versions of the manual versions, but anyways not trying to be a jerk but try searching for the reliability part as we have had like 3 different threads about this in the past 2 weeks.

But just to answer your question in short: yes these vehicles last quite sometime if they are maintained/driven with care.

 

Tell you what one of the fastest stock 12a motors I ever had was from an automatic car. I removed it and intalled over to my 5 speed GSL and man did she move!

 

The 12A engine mounted to the automatic is exactly the same engine as the one mounted to the manual transmission. There is no difference between the two. I don't know about the reliability of the automatic transmission, but I can say that in the 2 years I've belonged to this site, I don't think I've ever seen a thread or post about problems with an automatic.

 

I could start one, because my auto is wierd.

 

Except the fact that a auto transmission on a car thats power thrives on high rpms is very foolish... Its just not the same car with a auto....

 

As much as you are right, I would also have to think because it hasn't gone up to any high end RPM's, the car's motor would be less likely to have been abused.

 

very true...

 

I would like to hear from anyone who has beefed up the automatic transmission to handle more power and to make the shifts more positive.
I know it can never be a Torquflite but there should be some modifications that could be made to enhance it somwhat.
I would like it to be able to stand up to a turbocharged 12a with about 250 hp.
TIA
Dennis

 

Are you going to be paying for this to be done?

 

Now you know why I bought an automatic.

 

Mine was an auto, after swapping it to manual, im never going back. The auto was just a completely different car. Hopefully my engine will last longer as 90% of the milage is from the auto tranny.

 

I wouldn't say this is always true. There is one guy in my town that has an auto I think and whenever I see him hes driving the car like he stole it.

 

Lol, I know how that goes.

 

I had a 79 that was an auto, it was slow on the low end but still a great ride.

 

automatics suck unless you get the tranny plackared

 

No. I would like to get enough info to do a high performance rebuild including "shift kit" mods. The ability to "power lock" an automatic allows you to buid boost at the line and the automatic shifts eliminate turbo spooldown that would be experienced with a 5 speed during shifts (unless you powershift and the trans is not likely to tolereate that very well). The turbo will improve low end torque to offset the additional power loss from the hydraulics. Basically an automatic/turbo could be a killer combo if I can beef up the trans to survive the abuse.

 

Anyone beefed up an RX-7 automatic?

 

Not to my knowledge. I have read a lot about RX-7's, but I have never come across anything about the automatics they have. Your basically going into uncharted territory.

 

Most people that I've heard of trash the autos in favor of the five speeds, I hear they are very weak to begin with.... I don't know maybe a later model tranny would be better, I think the 12A autos were an afterthought

 

My 1983 has an auto gearbox in it, but my entire thought behind buying this one opposed to one with a five speed was the entire abuse factor. I bought it off of the original owners who were in their sixties about a year and a half ago. I bought a five speed transmission and was waiting for him to get the flywheel, clutch, pedals, clutch cylinders, etc. etc. off of his car as well but then he was killed in a work related accident so I am stuck with a five speed gearbox and driveshaft sitting in my garage without any of the other parts.

 

My 84' had an auto, tranny died the same day I had planned my 5spd swap, lol.

 

From what I have found the JATCO 3N71B transmission was used in the Mazda from the early '70's through the early '80's. They then went to a 4 speed trans. There was a post some time back from someone who had an automatic beefed up. He mentioned a B&M shift kit but I have ben unable to confirm that they still make the kit. Also I have not been able to find a 3000 rpm stall converter. I would appreciate any leads on this stuff.

 

why in the hell would you want a 3000rpm stall on a 100hp car?!?!!??!?!?!?!?!?

go 5spd, the auto just isnt worth it.

 

The reason most think the auto is not suited to the rotary is the mismatch between the torque converter stall speed and the power curve of the rotary engine. The rotary does not start to pull well till 3000 to 3500 rpm. The effect is like running a wild cam and 3.23 rear axle gears. The car will feel doggy until it builds some rpm. A converter with a higher higher stall speed will get the engine into the power range quicker and also generate a bit more torque multiplication in the converter. If you also boost it the result should be a quick little grocery getter.