jdwright18

I am looking to buy a first gen to built into a spec. racer. When shopping how do you know what model you are looking at (S, GS, GSL, GSL-SE, etc.)? Thanks for the help.

rotary emotions

I'm not really able to help you, since the "S, GS" etc. model specs are USA only, but when you want to build it into a racecar there are not to many things that are important. All models are powered by the same 12A engine, exept the GSL-SE, that has a 13B. The 12A came in two versions, an early 79-80 one, and a 81-85. The difference is about 10hp, and lighter internals for the later one. The 13B is more powerfull, but I'm not sure if it'd be allowed in the race-class you want to enter.
If you decide on 12A: go for the absolute basemodel. Things like sunroof, powerwindows, aircondintion, it all just ads up weight.
So, when shopping: the least goodies is the one you want.
GSL-SE can be reconized by several things, but the most important is of course that engine: 13B fuel injected instead of 12A carby.

Metallic_rock

If you're wanting to do the race car thing, you want to get an S or a GS without the sunroof. Lighter is better. If you can, find a 4 port 13b (like I did) to put in there, you'd be even better off. My personal opinion is that the 6 ports have a bunch more weight and there's too much freaking electrical stuff to deal with. that's my two cents.