I am looking for a first gen, I really just want the lightest one, not going to be much of a street car gutted and stripped and what not. Thing is I realize some of the heavier models like the gsl se and gsl have much better brakes and especially the lsd rear end. I was thinking of swapping an 84-85 gsl or gsl se rearend into a gs but I dont know what year is the lightest. I am also in a bind as to whether to use a gsl se or gsl rear, they have different bolt patters and Im unsure of what years these can be swapped into, not sure if anything like that varies from the different years. Also can you swap gsl se brakes onto any year? so many questions, I dont want a gsl or gsl se cause its a possibility that that motor may not stay in it and its my understanding they are heavier... sorry for the unorganized mess of questions but Im sort of confused as to what to do at the moment, can anyone clarify some stuff for me?

 

the lightest ones are the SA - 79 to 80.

 

yep, like most newer cars, the ey get heavier as technology gets better

as wackyracer said

"the lightest ones are the SA - 79 to 80."

Go for one of them, not as much power, but if u got enough $$$ a 13BT will change that!

Check the 4 sale section. Might b sumthin that fits the bill.

welcome to the forum

 

IIRC the SA (79-80) bumpers are heavier than the FB (81-85) ones. Hope that helps and welcome to the forum!

 

gsl rotors are smaller and non-vented but will match your front bolt pattern. gsl-se have larger vented rotors with a different bolt pattern...so you may want to change the fronts with the gsl-se as well...or maybe not...its something to consider...a little lighter and faster? or a little heavier with safer braking? your call...IMO i'd go with the safer braking...but i'm biased towards a gsl-se anyways

 

OK so a 1980 hardtop will accept a gsl se rear end and front brakes? I heard the earlier years have a poorer suspension setup, is that true? I dont think the weight of larger brakes would be a concern considering what better brakes offer. Just want to make sure the gsl se rear will bolt in, or even a gsl rear, also which would be easiest to swap and which is harder to find?

 

goodluck finding an 80 hardtop... ...but yes, from what i've read in the forums it can be interchanged...gregs1981 did it on his car...SE suspension and brakes...

 

well how much lighter is an 80 hardtop than any later year gs?

 

Anyone?

 

the weight difference between years are a few hundred pounds, in my opinion you can lighten the later models more then the earlier ones if your going to be gutting them out, but if you want a more rugid tougher vehicle the earlier models are the best. As for suspension i recommend the GSL since its only a few pounds lighter and if you want strength i would much rather go 8.8 stang rearend then GSL-SE.

 

yeah its going to be gutted, limited street use mostly track or car meets. My understanding so far is any 81-85 gs with a gsl se rear and brakes would be the best option for lowest possible weight, while having the lsd and good brakes. Ill look for an 80 model but if its rare I dont want to bother....

 

Would any 81-85 gs be the same as far as weight and brake/rearend swappability?

 

Hey. Im in Garland. I have an 83 hardtop in good driving condition. Minior body work needed. I also have a 85 parts car. GSL. LSD Disk brakes. No motor. PM me if interested.