Mazderati

iTrader: (3)

I am looking to find out the differences of the GSL and GSL-SE models of the RX-7. The GSL-SE, of course, received the 13B with fuel injection but, besides that, what are the other differences? I had previously thought that the GSL didn't come with a LSD or rear disc brakes, but have recently found this to be false. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Kyle

Manntis

Different suspension tuning, vented discs vs. solid discs, premium sound system, glass moonroof, etc. etc.

APT CSVT

As part of the 13B in case you didn't know, you get fuel injection vs. carb an choke. Nice for colder climates. Better throttle response too.

GSL-SE's had larger and specific wheels (14" vs. 13")
upgraded LSD/axle/hubs
vented front brakes, larger diameter too
better suspension stock

The SE is nice, but if parts need replacing, you can make a non-SE handle just as well becasue the afetmarket parts are universal mostly. I prefer fuel injection and the larger 13B for a little more torque, but good 12A can achieve good power as well.

Aaron

LongDuck

Some other changes that the previous posts haven't identified;

Vented disk rotors front AND rear,

Only available with cloth interior - no leather, as Mazda believed performance driving w/leather would cause driver to slide around too much,

Larger front and rear stabilizer bars,

Larger oil cooler mounted in front of the radiator, rather than the 12a filter stack cooler, or the previous 79/80 radiator bottom oil cooler.

4.10 rear gear ratio, for faster starts, higher/faster reving, and better acceleration,

Different front struts than 12a, same rear shocks, but different valving for stiffer ride,

Springs may have been slightly higher rate, progressive to balance stabilizer bars/shocks,
Badging, obviously,

13B w/3mm Apex seals, RE-EGI fuel injection (mentioned above), cold air induction via duct in front of radiator, remote Air Filter element, 6 port induction system (early method of 'variable valve timing' for rotaries), dynamic effect intake chamber (natural supercharger effect), dual monolithic converters, plus main catalytic converter served by airpump and EGR valving,

14x6 wheel size w/ 205/60-14 Pirelli P6 tires, factory - offset is correct for wheelwells, and bolt pattern is 4x114.3 vs. 4x110 on 12a's (goes with axle/brake mods),

Clarion stereo system, auto-reverse cassette deck, Dolby NR and Metal tape system, auto-scanning radio controls w/bass boost and sensitivity controls. Front/Rear fader and 'joystick' control for fader,

Speed-sensitive power steering, recirculating ball-type, w/engine driven pump.

On top of that, there are many parts that are specific to GSL-SE models, which include some basic things that you would think would be the same (but aren't!):

Smaller, more expensive alternator
Fuel filter, $37 vs $4 for 12a
Fuel injectors (obviously), 680cc/min flow rate x 2
Air filter is tray style instead of ring
Tires, 205/60 or 225/55 (max)
A/C compressor is different, and more expensive
Rear brake pads vs. shoes (disk vs. drum)
Rear brake piston compressor required...
Belts are different lengths (hoses are some, however)

Did I get it all? HTH,

Mazderati

iTrader: (3)

Wow. There seem to be quite a few differences. Now, if I could only persuade this guy to sell me his black GSL-SE with 70,000 miles on it...heh. Thanks for the responses.

Kyle

lotsacars

Just FYI, they were available with leather. I have one (84) and so do my parents (85). Lots of good info though LongDuck. Well done.

HadaGSL-SE

iTrader: (6)

hey mazderati where in VA are you located?

Mazderati

iTrader: (3)

HadaGSL-SE,

I am in Roanoke, not too far from you. I try and autox and show when I can. Shoot me a PM if you would like. Thanks again for the responses.

Kyle

RotorMotorDriver

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, my 85 GSL-SE has leather...

~T.J.

willhogan

12a all the way, nobody gives the car credit. I would take a 12a over a 13b any day of the week. People never give credit to the power potential of a 12a.

HOZZMANRX7

iTrader: (43)

Actually, the glass moonroof had nothing to do with a GSL-SE. The GSL-SE came with the steel removable roof, same as a 84-85 non-GSL-SE.

Those were strictley an accessory that could be added to any Rex.

pvc

The GSL-SE was also given a beefed up clutch.

And a little other thing, the rear lower trailing arms were lowered to reduce understeer. I guess improved suspension covers that though.

Manntis

The ones sold in Canada came with the glass roof in addition to the steel/lined one (different dealer incentives, I s'pose)

esoto66

My 85 GSL has leather..........too

74RX4

iTrader: (10)

A few comments/ corrections.
GSL has rear disks also. The lowered rear mounting point is on all 84 and 85 cars. Fuel pickup in the GSLSE is almost twice as big as the carbed cars.
http://intertron.com/ron/images/tanks5.jpg

You guys covered everything else I can think of.

Ron