Hey Guys, I see alot of mention here about GSL's GX's and GXL's etc, what exactly is the difference, how do you tell, are there more $$ involved and are they specific to a generation? Just wondering if somewhere in the engine bay there maybe a clue. Also wondering about the "series" I have an RX7 series II (I guess?) 'cause it is '83, (November) with electric everything. Any comments, clues or just plain knowledge would be a great help!
Craig.

 

i believe there is ways to tell what you have by your VIN numbner. there was a site posted awhile back on the forums. maybe that would help you figure out what kind you have.

 

Immmmm. . . if I only knew that site. . .

 

i really don't know how much help this will be to you because i don't know if you had the same trim levels in Australia, i know that the '84-'85 cars in Oz all had our SE wheels and suspension, but i don't know about interior trim. here's the best i could find.

Trim Levels

 

http://63.236.221.16/ref_VIN.php

enjoy!

 

Yeah, actually just go to Manntis' main site at www.rotorhead.ca and it even has a breakdown of specific changes in year-to-year and model-to-model

If you spend some time there you'll know exactly what kind of car you have

Luckily, in '84 (the year my car was made) they had badges so you could tell the models just by looking at the back!

Jon

 

Mazda started making the GSL in 81. It was the top of the line model. It had a limited slip rear end, 4 wheel disc brakes, and all the other options. I think the GXL was a second gen car. Don't know about the GX.

 

The GX was the equivalent of the GSL outside of the United States or outside of North America, I believe.

 

Thanks for all your help guys, I have plenty of reading now! RX7 owners really are cool! Oh, it seems everyone has a name for their babies, I have decided to name my one week old baby (I've had her a week, so thats how old she is!) Madeline. If you add an "R" and a "D" you have Mad Red Line! so thats it - rock on Madeline! She just got A Sony head unit, 2 splits upfront (Doors) 2x12" Subs, a 750watt amp and enough cable to start her own TV Show!

 

S--- Base model 1st gen.

GS---1st gen model one step up from the base model. Few options.

GSL--- Intro'd in U.S.A. as top-of-the-line model in '81, produced thru to '85 inclusive. Powered by 101 HP carburated 12A.

GSL-SE--- Built only for the '84- '85 mode years. Top-of-the-line model in North America. Same options as GSL (which was still available at the time) except that the SE had a fuel-injected 135 HP 13B, larger wheels, better rear suspension and better rear disc brakes.

GX--- In Canada, the '81- '83 GX was the same option package as the GSL sold in the U.S. (but in '84- '85 the GX in Canada was re-named GSL). One exception was that the Canadian GX, GSL, and GSL-SE came with headlight washers mounted on the front bumper. This option was not available on the cars sold in the U.S.
The GX designation was carried over into the 2nd gen rx7's as a base (or near-base) model.

GXL--- Fully-optioned non-turbo'd 2nd gen.

Series:

Series 1--- 1st gens from '79- '80. A.K.A. "SA" (4th and 5th characters in VIN.)

Series 2--- 1st gens from '81- '83. A.K.A. "FB" (again, 4th and 5th VIN characters). Updated bumper design and instrument panel were the most noticable changes.

Series 3--- 1st gens from '84- '85. A.K.A. "FB". Among other things, updated instrument panel, new alternator and air-intake slots added to lower nose for better brake cooling.

Series 4--- 2nd gens from '86- '88 inclusive. A.K.A. "FC". Complete redesign from '85 and earlier models. 146 HP 13B fuel-injected. 180 HP turbo model became available in '87.

Series 5--- 2nd gens from '89-'91 inclusive. ("FC"). Same as series 4 but with (among other things) lighter rotors, electric oil metering pump, and updated tail lights.

FD--- 3rd gens, twin sequential turbo 255 HP 13B. Completely new design over the 2nd gens. Sold in North America from model years '93-'95, continued production and sold in Japan until 2002.