What are all of the differences between 83 model to 84? I know that the rear axles are bigger on the 84-85. I believe the wheel bearings all around are also bigger right? The dash is different. How hard is it to swap an 84 dash into an 83? Is it a direct bolt in? Also the 84-85 have baffles in the gas tanks. How hard is it to swap an 84 gslse gas tank into an 83? Is the spare tire compartment smaller or something?

I found a super clean 83 original owner car. My delima's are that I like the 84-85 dash better. I have an entire se suspension so swaping that in with the bigger axles and lsd is no prob. I guess my only worry is swapping the dash and the gas tank from an se into an 83? Any thoughts?

 

heard and see that the dash is a big PITA! for sure it's not a direct bolt in, but i've never done it cause i don't wanna wast yhe time. good luck.

 

ok ok before someone says search, I was feeling lazy tonight. A little search revealed that a dash swap would be a major pita!

 

or buyone from aus where the 83 has the same dash as the 84/85

 

I'm not positive, but i do know that the -SE's rearends lower control arms are 20mm lower, or the mounting perch is welded and the resulting difference is 20mm.

The -SE gas tanks have a drop-in set of pick-ups attached to a screw-on 'plate' and really don't have baffles, more internal bracing that act like baffle(s) i believe all the tanks have that bracing but only the -SE's have the screw-on 'plate'. the fuel lines are larger diameter both 'out' and 'return'

 

You covered most of them.

The '84 chassis also has the lower suspension link mounts on the body lowered 20mm, for increased roll understeer (leaning causes the axle to steer to the outside of the curve) at the expense of decreased anti-squat.

Part of the reason I raised the rear on my '85 was to eliminate that damned roll steer. This made the lack of anti-squat even worse, but oh well.

 

Hmm interesting stuff, thanks guys

 

Just to clarify - the suspension geonetry change was on ALL series 3 cars, not just GSL-SE. The mounting points on the rearends themselves has never changed.

 

YUP, I agree. I just finished installing a complete 85 rear-end / front strusts including brake master, brake lines, calipers to a SA.

 

So the rearend swap would be a direct bolt on ?

 

my advice based only on this ...
just keep looking and get an '84-'85 car. the price difference will probably be made up in acquiring parts and labor ...

i think you've covered the important underlying differences. the others were pretty superficial (the windshield cowl, badges, front valence, seats, shifter ****, etc.)

 

Yeah, I would be doing the labor myself but my time is precious and I don't have alot of it to spare. The 83 I'm thinking about has been there awhile so I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon.