Manufacturing an SE suspension swap...
 

Well, I've found out that there isn't an SE in the scrapper for at least 100 miles here...

So, I need an SE suspension.

Here's what I'm planning on doing.

Non-SE Spindle/Strut assembly with SE wheel bearings and front rotors.

These axles: http://www.rx7.org/jes/axles.html
With SE rear rotors and brake components. I'll be finding a Miata Torsen pumpkin to use as per my original plan.


Couple questions though.

1.) If I get reman'ed loaded calipers, do they usually come with the necessary caliper bracket? I've used loaded calipers for other cars, some do and some don't.

2.) There is still the question of whether the front spindles are the same on SE and Non-SE cars... Searching results in mixed answers. Either yes, they are the same, or no the caliper mounting is different and the length is different to account for a different wheel offset.

3.) Just a confirmation, the axle housing of the SE and Non-SE cars is the same... Every indication I can find says yes.

4.) For temporary purposes, would 4x4.5" Honda Accord steel wheels fit? (Offset and all) That's until I get aftermarket Alloys.

Anybody?

I'd be doing exactly what that guy did, except I'd be using SE replacement axles in a NON SE axle housing... So I'd need to know about where to get brake caliper brackets and such...

And the discrepancy on front spindle lengths.

The best way to check would be to check out the parts fiche for the 84/85 model year. I do believe they can be found at www.iluvmyrx7.com or at www.mazdamotorsports.com

Good luck man.

Aight. The axle housing is the same on all Disc brake cars, so I'm cool there... Unless mine is damaged.

So Alls I need are the axles and brake equipment in the rear.

Front spindle/strut assembly is different for GSL-SE and 12A cars. But the fiches make no reference to length of spindle or not...

They also say the shock cartridge is different, but for all the aftermarkets (Tokico, KYB, Koni, etc.) I've seen it's 81-85 All models.

anyone have SE and Non-SE spindles around that they can measure? I have a feeling that it's just the cartridge and how it fits in that's different.

You need an '84-85 axle housing. It's not "all" disc brake cars.



People put -SE rotors on '84-85 spindles, but apparently you can't put 12A rotors on -SE spindles. The spindle length is apparently just different enough that the swap works only one way. This is one of those things I need to document.

Yes. The stock GSL-SE strut insert is different: it has stiffer damping. However the insert is interchangeable with other '81-85 inserts.