1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

A few tips for buying a GSL-SE?

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Old Jan 3, 2003 | 09:04 PM
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A few tips for buying a GSL-SE?

I am gonna get a GSL-SE but first I need some advice.

First off... How much should I plan on spending for one in good (doesnt have to be awesome) condition.

Also what kind things should I look for b4 buying (ie. technichal problems and wat not)

I am planing on extremely modifying it (300 hp goal) so should I look for one w/ a strong engine or just get a beater and rebuild it?

Also... I dont know if this is a longshot but how hard is a 3 rotor cosmo engine swap? (if you have any links to related sights, that would really help!)

and all other tips you got would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks Fellas!

-BUSTA-
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Old Jan 3, 2003 | 11:36 PM
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From: 3OH5
Re: A few tips for buying a GSL-SE?

Originally posted by Busta-Douglass
I am gonna get a GSL-SE but first I need some advice.

First off... How much should I plan on spending for one in good (doesnt have to be awesome) condition.

Also what kind things should I look for b4 buying (ie. technichal problems and wat not)

I am planing on extremely modifying it (300 hp goal) so should I look for one w/ a strong engine or just get a beater and rebuild it?

Also... I dont know if this is a longshot but how hard is a 3 rotor cosmo engine swap? (if you have any links to related sights, that would really help!)

and all other tips you got would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks Fellas!

-BUSTA-
You're gonna need serious porting to get 300 hp. Or A Turbo. A 20B Cosmo engine is overkill. A turbo 13B (or 12A) can easily get 300 out of it.

Check the sticky thread on top: TII into GSL-SE for turbo swap options.
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Old Jan 4, 2003 | 03:41 AM
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Yeah a turbo w/ some porting was the plan. Actually it was you I PM'ed about it... remember? But now I am looking at the first part of the project, Buying the car.

Any Ideas?
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Old Jan 4, 2003 | 10:24 AM
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Buy a beater or one with a dead motor (of course SE's ith dead motors are sortta rare/ Id venture to say that SE was the best motor they made) with a decent body and zero rust.

Buy a 13bt block ported and start collecting parts for a good turbo swap... That will net you 300+ No Problem
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Old Jan 4, 2003 | 05:10 PM
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Again, a good fresh 12A with a properly done turbo system can yield 300 HP no problem as well.

So if you find a good GSL at a good price, don't let it go by.
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 02:32 AM
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Quick question... I am a little confused about the modle spesifacations. Did the 12a in fact come in the GSL-SE and what is the diff. between that and the other models? And I was qurious as to wether the 1st gen ever came w/ the 13b.

BTW, if it wasnt obvious, i am still in the info gathering stage b4 I start this project
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Old Jan 5, 2003 | 11:50 AM
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From: 3OH5
Originally posted by Busta-Douglass
Quick question... I am a little confused about the modle spesifacations. Did the 12a in fact come in the GSL-SE and what is the diff. between that and the other models? And I was qurious as to wether the 1st gen ever came w/ the 13b.

BTW, if it wasnt obvious, i am still in the info gathering stage b4 I start this project
GSL-SE = 13B Fuel injected from factory.
All other models, were Carbed 12A's.
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 06:43 PM
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so I really dont even need te gsl-se to get 300hp. A 12a will do the job?
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 06:49 PM
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Horsepower isn't the whole story. a 13B gives you far more torque in a moch broader band, and when you tromp the throttle to go fast it's torque you want.

Besides, 100 HP + mods = more HP,
but 135 HP (SE) + mods also equals more HP AND torque, with your job 35% done already.
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 08:49 PM
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My car (GSL_SE) has had bad luck with the power steering--may want to get manual steering. The previous owner has replaced the pump twice and I'm dreading the day when I have to put a new one in there.
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 11:15 PM
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I think manual steering would be a bit of a disadvantage on the auto-x course.

How much should I expect to pay for a GSL-SE? I dont want to get raped on it or anything.
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Old Jan 6, 2003 | 11:20 PM
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I paid $4,000 CDN (about $2,700 US) for mine, in exceptional condition. I've seen a few around SoCal for $2,000 -$3,000, which tend to be more rust-free than farther north.
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