hey guys, ive been intrested lately in buying a 1st gen as an everyday car and make my T2 more of a weekend project/racer, ive heard that 1st gens are pretty darn reliable compared to its younger siblings (FC, FD) i currently own a t2 so i know about all the bad things that can happen thanks very much -alex

 

I have an 84GSL 12a with 92k on it and it runs like a raped ape ! I'd drive it to Japan if there was a tunnel!

 

Well, I think that the GSL-SEs had 3mm apex seals? correct? idk. But those last a really long time. My GSL has 170K on it, and still runs strong. I think that pretty mich any NA rotary will last a long time if you treat it right.

 

Just parted out a running (but very rusted) '85 GSL with 202,000 on it - ran fine but would sometimes smoke on startup.

 

Mine's an 84 GSL and it's got about 270, 000 Km on it... everything on it is stock except for the air intake and sound system and it's still running really well. The only problems that I've ever had with it was with the starter. It also looks like the alternator is starting to die. But, I've driven the hell out of it and had no major problems.

 

1st gens usually last a bit longer than 2nd gens. My SA has over 200K miles on original engine. But it has carburetor problems so it backfires a lot now.

 

My SA is twenty-six years old and still starts up quick both in cold and hot weather. What you really have to keep on top of with the 1st gens is the bin/wheel well rust, it can get pretty bad. Aside from that, these cars are pretty simple to work on. (I figure if I can do it, anyone can )

Be warned though, if you get a good SA/FB you could get addicted to a proper lightweight sports car and not like your bloated GT/Touring car.

 

Just noticing you're from Sask....

So your 1st gen holds up well in the winter? I'm in Montreal and cold performance is definitely a concern of mine.

 

I've been having some carburator troubles in the cold weather but other than that the car runs good, puts out good heat and generally works decent for a winter car. I just have to keep my foot on the throttle until she warms up completely because of idle problems. I have a few ideas as to the source so I should have them sorted out before next winter. Around minus 30 Celsius the brakes tend to freeze solid and need to be warmed up before they will reduce my speed any, but that's a minor point. As far as traction and driving on ice and snow is concerned, a light RWD car can be less than ideal for an unskilled driver or a driver uncomfortable with driving sideways all winter, but I find it easy to maneouver the RX-7 around because of its tail happiness.

 

Generally what kills a 1st-gen is rust. If it's not rusted all to hell, 300k is not uncommon. Probably the only reason it's not more common is few cars maintain structural integrity long enough to go that many miles

 

i'm over 255,000 miles. very little rust...2nd engine(going strong)

 

well now im scared, lol i dont want my love for my t2 to die out! -is it true the GSL-SE's had 3mm seals? thanks -alex

 

ALL Mazda rotaries from '74 to '85 had 3mm seals.

The 2mm seals seem to be better, sealing-wise, RPM-handling wise, and definitely cost-wise. 2mm seals would be the only reason I'd put something other than a 12A in my car.

 

yep every rotary before 86 had 3mm apex seals.


EDIT: dammit PJ you beat me to it.

 

Mines got 379,41km's on the tacho.

 

Yup they basically last forever.

Ray

 

379,412km

 

20 years so far original engine 130,xxx miles, only thing ever done to it is regular maintenence...Clutch, Fluids, Belts...etc.

 

My gsl-se has 240,000, miles on it, never been rebuilt one owner before I bought it compresion even still decent 90 on both. The guy most have never went to redline because there was at least an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch carbon build up on the six ports and lower intake. Ran good other than the six ports not opening.

 

i just put in a 12a from 1987..

think thatd have 2 or 3mm seals?

its been rebuily once (and they put a '78 shaft in it).. but i didnt ask what they put in it (Bugger)...

and whats the advantages/disadvantages of two?

-Cheers

 

12A from 87? what did that come out of?

 

It wasn't from any '87. The last 12As rolled out of the engine factory in '85.

 

Ya. Thats what I thought. No, Bolox, your wrong! lol

 

naaaah man..

did mazda stop making 12a's completely after '85?

the engine plate sayins it was made in july of '87

and it came out of series 1 (SA?)

-Cheers

 

Might have been a Mazda reman engine that was done in '87. But it wasn't a new engine, and it wasn't installed in any '87 model car. (Or '88 for that matter)