Hi folks, I'm a newbie to your forum. I have in the past owned two GSL SEs and loved them. I am looking to get another, or maybe a GSL. Question: Has anyone compared acceleration of a stock GSL SE to a mildly modified GSL? Perhaps, a stock GSL SE vs a GSL with hi perf carburetor. Thanks in advance. Dave

 

a properly tuned gsl is a lot faster than an se. but a properly tuned se can be faster. but get the gsl if you want more of a gokart feeling. the se is more of a refined sports car feeling. personally i do not like carbs. i eat them but i don't like them in my car. haha

 

Thanks for the response. Go-Kart feeling is something I might enjoy. That's how I described the SE to folks, especially my 9 y/o son. If a GSL is more so, could be good! So....what must one do to properly tune a GSL?

Dave

 

Se Ftw! Imo

 

My friend's call my GSL "The go-kart" but it's far from stock so I can't really help you. I can safely say however, that I am faster than a stock SE.

 

Keep the info and opinions coming guys. I'd like to get an RX7 before summer's over, to enjoy it with my son, another car/truck enthusiast. I think I am more likely to find one if I don't limit myself to just the SE, but don't want to be dissapointed, either. I want LSD, so has to be a GSL or SE, as fas as I know. I like the interior of the 84 and 85, but that isn't as important as the LSD.

I am guessing that properly tuned means carb and timing, is there anything else involved? I am more motivated to look into exhaust and intake mods since WI no lnoger does emissions tests on 1995 or older vehilces

 

The FAQs and other sections are very helpful, although I feel impatient to be able to view links and such, not having ten posts under my belt.

But, tuned could be carb, timing, fuel pump, wires and ignition. And I read a very interesting mod - make all four barrels of the stock carb work in unison. Has anyone tried this?

 

converting the stock nikki to mech secondaries is cake, if you do a search there are several very detailed threads with pics.

isaac

(gsl owner)

 

I've owned both but a modified GSL takes the cake!!!(since thats my current DD...)I do have plans for her soon....

 

What is 'properly tuned' and 'alot faster' to you?

 

Its all relative...how much money do you want to spend? Do you want it to "economical". The GSL's 12A is a 4 port so you can feel its power a lot lower in the powerband vs the SE's 13B where it makes most of its power after 4K. I like the suspension on my SE tho and my engine is far from stock..23-24 mpg on the highway...

 

this is really up to you and ****, but imo i'd go with the gsl if you want a car just to beat around and have some fun, simply because it's a lot more simple than all the electronic components that come with the SE and what not, plus is carbed rather than f.i. however i only own a GSL and i've always heard that the SE has a way better suspension and what not.

 

a 12a fb is easy to find, theyre everywhere. A nice SE a bit harder to find......... cuz theyre the best FB's...... IMO. Ive have both, 12a model doesnt feel as solid as SE.

 

+1

 

The SE is going to be faster hands down. More displacement and F.I.
As far as the complexity of a fuel injected system, that's a matter of personal opinion. The f.i. on the SE is very simple, not much to it.
I own both and like both but I think I would opt for the SE.

 

The newest of them is around 23 years old now. The difference between the two isn't that much. A good running gsl is an exhaust away from a gsl-se. Just get whichever is in better condition.

 

Mod for Mod, the SE will be faster.

They are both nice cars, and you can't go wrong with either.

I have had both, and prefer the SE. It's a better car all around, has more displacement, a LOT more torque, a larger powerband, bigger brakes, better gearing, larger rims, and better lug option (for aftermarket wheels).

Plus, it is alot more ready for boost (should you ever go that way).
It is heavier, but in a good way. It feels solid, sure-footed and well planted.

If you want a car to "toss" around, I prefer the S2 models (81-83), as they really feel light and nimble compared to the more luxuriously appointed S3's (84-85).

 

Have you found a way to increase GSL power and still pass CA smog?

I, too, prefer the GSL to the GSL-SE, except for the power.

I'm going to sell both my 85s and just use the 83 because it's lighter and purtier.

Anybody want a good SE, PM me.

 

If only you were a couple thousand miles closer! Shipping would be very expensive. I shouldn't buy an RX7 until I sell the 1962 IHC Scout 80 in my garage. Two drivers in the house and four cars already. That's twice as many cars as drivers, and three of them are mine.

 

Working in unison would be bad, you have little to no velocity in lower RPMs and will have horrible gas mileage.

Mechanical secondaries is what you want.

 

i think the se is a better package i like the f.i , bigger displacement and also the bigger brakes . I have a gsl and brakes arent that great

 

Thanks, that's what I thought, maybe I misread the thread that contained that info.

 

I will give my biased opinion here. I own an 84 SE. The only other 7 I had before that was a 12A 1980. Night and day difference. My 1980 12A was noticeable quicker than my buddy's 85 GSL. My GSL-SE was noticalby quicker than both. Perhaps 0-60 and 1/4 mile times tell it all. FRom the factory the SE is way quicker than the GSL. Check out the thread below. An 85 GSL, according to this, goes 0-60 9.9 secs and a 1/4 mile in 17.4 secs. The SE goes 0-60 in 7.9 secs and a 1/4 mile time of 15.9. Notice the SE is almost as quick as a turbo II.

Mike



http://www.carforums.net/showthread.php?t=10251

 

I am familiar with those stats, and the perf difference is marked. Realistically, I will not be doing 1/4 mile or many 0 - 60 runs, okay, maybe some 0 -60 runs. I am mostly looking for 1st and 2nd gear throttle response and "zippiness" around town. So part of all this is seat of the pants; point and squirt driving. I have driven stock 12A s that felt great. Admittedly, the 13Bs felt great.

 

sounds like the all signs point to finding a classic SE.