meifert

Can I use GSL-SE axles, calipers and rotors to convert the rear over to 4x114.4 on my 85 GSL? I'm not worried about the front just the rear. The front is about to be all S13 4 lug stuff.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

yes u can.

peejay

Done many times. All big bearing disk brake housings are the same.

meifert

Thanks guys. Now I just need to find the stuff....lol

Whizbang

generally, you just find the whole axle since getting the axles, brakes, rotors, etc, you almost just need the whole axle anyway.... Then its a much easier affair.

Kenku

Like I said in the previous thread, I find it enourmously easier to just redrill the non-SE axles.

But then again, I'm also the nut who's designing a floater conversion for the rear end, so.

meifert

that would be easier but if I needed a brake rotor it would be a nightmare to find one or redrill it to work

peejay

GSL-SE rear calipers are NLA from Mazda or rebuilders.

I do have a GSL-SE rear but it would take about $1250 to liberate it from me...

Kenku

Once you make a drill template, you can just redrill the 12A rotors and use the stock calipers - or at least I used to.

meifert

nla?

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

No Longer Available

Whizbang

that explains why people can't find them

also, LAME

peejay

Lame is my idea of putting a Miata 1.6l in the RX-3.

The GSL-SE caliper situation is a large part of why I went with common as dirt Lucas calipers for the new rearend.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

how did u come across this alternative? were there data sheets to compare dimensions and mounting points? modifications needed?

Kenku

I need to figure out if SCCA will throw a fit if I use FC iron calipers instead of actual GSL-SE ones. Same pad shape, same piston size... oh well, I at least have one set of -SE stuff.

meifert

Are there any bolt on replacement options for the calipers?

Whizbang

petition based on NLA status of parts?

Whizbang

kinda like my idea of a Miata 1.6 in an FB?

Kenku

I feel like the guys with little British cars will laugh. More seriously though, I suppose I should just look at my parts piles and see if there's an actual, real difference. For some reason the GSL-SE/FC pad shape has better compounds available.

peejay

I noticed that my Volvo had the same 4x4.5 bolt pattern and used Lucas calipers, and that VW used a similar caliper but in aluminum, and common as dirt, and the Mazda cable would plug right in if you clock the caliper down about 30 degrees. Uses a 3.5" bolt pattern like certain Wilwoods, weld brackets are cheap and available.



Zero Mazda parts except for the Watts bellcrank, not pictured.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

good to know. there should be a data base on the forum for OEM part alternatives and upgrades such as this along with any modifications need to make them work.

Kenku

God, that would make things easier than messing with the stock rear axle...

Whizbang

i went toyota 8.8.

peejay

Making the Watts linkage fit is... problematic. I bought a new bellcrank just so I can hack it up. Part of the problem is that I want the pivot down on-center instead of 40mm up.

Can't use a Panhard with a quiet exhaust. The RB muffler/pipe takes up every bit of space and leaves no room for a chassis bracket. Can't put the bracket on the left side without losing the gas tank.

Most of the build pictures are on Photobucket....

meifert

Are their any calipers that will work but maybe need new brake lines? I'm not lookimg to make totally custom everything if I can just keep it simple