hi guys what are the main differences between the gsl and gsl se under carriage? front and rear.

Can the GSL LSD be swapped to a miata torsen like the GSL SE rear end can?

I think there is a gear ratio difference in the rear end, from 3.9 GSL to 4.1 GSL SE, are the discs different sizes between the two? i know there is a bold pattern difference. but what else?

 

i don't think there's any difference in the under carriage between the 2. i know the front discs on the SE r vented and i think they're larger in diameter too. like u said, the gear ratios differ between the 2. if the SE will fit the miata then the gsl will too but it can only be from 84-85 yr model.

 

SE has larger vented front rotors and larger vented rear rotors.

 

I can tell you that the SE front crossmember is different than a 12A car. The engine mounts are moved rearward to accommodate the slight extra length of the 13B.

 

yes

the early GSL-SE's have a 4.1, but the later ones get a 3.9

, the axles, rotors and calipers are different. in the front its just rotor and caliper.

 

didn't the auto's get a different gear?

 

I thought GSL and GSL-SE both had an LSD and rear discs from the factory. Is this true?

 

Yes, but as said the -SE has larger discs F&R and different calipers and dust shields. Rear axle shafts are longer, and front disc/hubs are wider to match. Different bolt pattern of course.

 

GSL rear disks are SOLID; -SE rear disks are 10.2" and VENTED. Both front disks are 9.8" in diameter, and vented; it's just the rears that are different between them.

Also, don't forget that all -SE have the rear lower trailing arm body mounts dropped slightly from earlier cars to counter the binding during cornering that contributes to snap-oversteer. The lower arms are the same length, just mounted lower where they attach to the body compared to earlier years. I don't recall what model year incorporated this change, though... (*anybody?)

 

-SE front disc's are larger diameter than GSL, and use different calipers and larger dia. dust shields. I have both laying on my garage floor right now - will post pics when I get home.
All RX's got the lower link body mount lowered. It was either S2 or S3. All the S3 bodies are identical sheet metal,, regardless of GS, GSL or GSL-SE.

 

Alright here are 12A front discs next to GSL-SE front discs. Also the dust shields are larger to match.


They are both vented of course (front discs).

As are the rear -SE discs. 12A rear discs (GSL) are smaller and solid.

The calipers (Front and Rear) are different between the 12A and 13B cars also. Its not as noticeable as the discs, but they are different parts.


According to Brian Long's book "RX7 Mazda's rotary engine sports car" the rear lower trailing link was lowered on all trim levels starting with S3 in '84 for US cars (a little earlier for JDM). As well as lots of great pictures, the book lists the changes/options/upgrades by year and market.