Mega List of differences of the SA from the FB
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Chino Hills, CA
Carbs are highly variable across the whole range of 1st gens; California, Federal, and Canada versions, manual versus auto trans versions, and year-to-year variations. Sometimes the only difference is in jetting, other times, whole assemblies and castings differ, as well as many small differences in the cam stacks on the ends of the throttle shafts.
The Carb manual that Sgt Fox has on his website (link in the FAQ) spells most of the differences out.
The Carb manual that Sgt Fox has on his website (link in the FAQ) spells most of the differences out.
SAs did not have a shutter valve on the intake. SA engines did not have EGR hole under the intake
Thread on differences with pictures -> https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/what-benefits-can-i-get-installing-79-manifold-85-a-667620/
Thread on differences with pictures -> https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/what-benefits-can-i-get-installing-79-manifold-85-a-667620/
Last edited by SunRedRX7; Oct 21, 2008 at 10:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 5
From: winnipeg, Manitoba
Carbs are highly variable across the whole range of 1st gens; California, Federal, and Canada versions, manual versus auto trans versions, and year-to-year variations. Sometimes the only difference is in jetting, other times, whole assemblies and castings differ, as well as many small differences in the cam stacks on the ends of the throttle shafts.
The Carb manual that Sgt Fox has on his website (link in the FAQ) spells most of the differences out.
The Carb manual that Sgt Fox has on his website (link in the FAQ) spells most of the differences out.
http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/ma...01979-1985.pdf
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
Likes: 28
From: Chino Hills, CA
Here's a subtle one:
The rear hatch latch outer plate differs between SA and FB:
SA on left; FB on right. Original SA latch pates have no "RX-7" stensil, and have faceted edges. They are also thinner, and over time, they tend to distort from the pressure of the hatch seals.

The rear hatch latch outer plate differs between SA and FB:
SA on left; FB on right. Original SA latch pates have no "RX-7" stensil, and have faceted edges. They are also thinner, and over time, they tend to distort from the pressure of the hatch seals.

Sorry for being off topic, but I'd like to know why they used a totally different font for the RX-7 text on the rear hatch "outer plate". Its the same font used on the cargo area retractable cover, but where else is it used?
I noticed the piller panels on the FB I have and the SA don't fit directly
and the sa e-brake handle has no hole in it for a screw to go in and the FB does
the Vents on the rear glass between the quarterpanel and the hatch is longer on an FB than an SA
The shiftknob is a little different not much
and the sa e-brake handle has no hole in it for a screw to go in and the FB does
the Vents on the rear glass between the quarterpanel and the hatch is longer on an FB than an SA
The shiftknob is a little different not much
Shift ***** are definitely different. Also the SA base models had 4-Speed manuals standard with the GS models having the 5-Speed overdrive transmission. The FB's were 5-Speed standard on all models
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SF Bay Area, California
"waffle" alloys on SA
and "+" type alloys on FB 4x110mm bolt pattern
limited edition for SA had special wheels made by (fill in blank because i forgot the name of that style rim)
leather sport models for SA were the waffle wheels painted gold
limited edition for 1983 had 14" mesh looking wheels
gsl-se for 84-85 years had the 4x114.3mm bolt pattern and different looking alloys (not sure of how many spokes)
and "+" type alloys on FB 4x110mm bolt pattern
limited edition for SA had special wheels made by (fill in blank because i forgot the name of that style rim)
leather sport models for SA were the waffle wheels painted gold
limited edition for 1983 had 14" mesh looking wheels
gsl-se for 84-85 years had the 4x114.3mm bolt pattern and different looking alloys (not sure of how many spokes)
Last edited by boyee; Oct 22, 2008 at 10:36 PM.
Good point!
FB's (known as Series 2 & 3 here in Australia) have a larger dia brake booster. This can only be fitted to a S1 (SA) if you redrill the firewall to accept a FB Pedal Box as the Clutch and Brake Master hole centres are much closer on a SA Pedal Box Assy which is not a good idea... Been there done that!
Once again, you have to consider the SA's feature the course pitch brake pipe threads. One way to work around this if fitting a FB disc rear is to use the whole FB hydraulic system retro fitted to a SA Booster/car. You will how ever need to have a specialist match the plunger depths on a bench for you.
Steering Columns
Don't try to mix and match SA/FB Columns and steering boxes, your ignition lock probably won't fit amongst other issues.
That's all I have time for now
FB's (known as Series 2 & 3 here in Australia) have a larger dia brake booster. This can only be fitted to a S1 (SA) if you redrill the firewall to accept a FB Pedal Box as the Clutch and Brake Master hole centres are much closer on a SA Pedal Box Assy which is not a good idea... Been there done that!
Once again, you have to consider the SA's feature the course pitch brake pipe threads. One way to work around this if fitting a FB disc rear is to use the whole FB hydraulic system retro fitted to a SA Booster/car. You will how ever need to have a specialist match the plunger depths on a bench for you.
Steering Columns
Don't try to mix and match SA/FB Columns and steering boxes, your ignition lock probably won't fit amongst other issues.
That's all I have time for now
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
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From: Chino Hills, CA
My 80 has a 5-speed, and a sunroof... does that mean it is a GS? No badging to that effect.
According to the parts fiche, my VIN range when equipped as my car is (CA emissions, Sunroof, 12A, 5-Spd was a model number 8348, model/type SA22C-RP. I don't know how that relates to S, RS, GS, etc, though.
Oh, and all SA's are 12A engined, I believe.
According to the parts fiche, my VIN range when equipped as my car is (CA emissions, Sunroof, 12A, 5-Spd was a model number 8348, model/type SA22C-RP. I don't know how that relates to S, RS, GS, etc, though.
Oh, and all SA's are 12A engined, I believe.
Last edited by DivinDriver; Oct 22, 2008 at 11:30 PM.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,329
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From: SF Bay Area, California
and up til 1982 the oil coolers were mounted up front.
starting in 1983 the oil cooler moved right under the oil filter also dub'd "beehive oil cooler"
the gsl-se which had the fuel injected 13B had a front mount oil cooler (fmoc)
someone should chime in about different rotor weights (iirc the S3 had lighter rotors) and other technical information about the differences in the 12A engines since this thread is going so specific as brake line thread pitches haha
starting in 1983 the oil cooler moved right under the oil filter also dub'd "beehive oil cooler"
the gsl-se which had the fuel injected 13B had a front mount oil cooler (fmoc)
someone should chime in about different rotor weights (iirc the S3 had lighter rotors) and other technical information about the differences in the 12A engines since this thread is going so specific as brake line thread pitches haha
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
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From: Chino Hills, CA
SA's started off with breakerpoint ignitions, switched to electronic in the '80 MY, using J105 ignitors on a fender-mounted control box.
FB's started with J109's on the dizzy.
FB's started with J109's on the dizzy.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 8
From: SF Bay Area, California
found the name of the SA Limited Edition wheels
theyre called Almex YSD made by Yokohama =D
AND to add the early SA model U.S.A had only one mirror and hood prop on the pass. side
theyre called Almex YSD made by Yokohama =D
AND to add the early SA model U.S.A had only one mirror and hood prop on the pass. side
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 5
From: winnipeg, Manitoba
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 5
From: winnipeg, Manitoba
YES
first time I realize 79/80 irons (r5) use 18 tension bolts and 81/85 irons (y) use only 17.
CRAP
I ported a center iron, took me a lot of hours and now I cant use it...
courtesy of xlr8planet
first time I realize 79/80 irons (r5) use 18 tension bolts and 81/85 irons (y) use only 17.
CRAP
I ported a center iron, took me a lot of hours and now I cant use it...
courtesy of xlr8planet
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 5
From: winnipeg, Manitoba
( copied from another thread coutesy bwaits - ReSpeed)
I will try to give a run down:
1) 79-80 Strut housings are longer than 81+
2) 79 had a wedge block style caliper/pad mount. Changed to a somewhat better setup in 80
3) 79-80 have course thread brake lines
4) 79-83 use the same rotor, bearings and caliper bracket.
5) 79-80 did not have a disk brake rear end
You can swap most all of this stuff over. Sometimes only in full assemblies:
1) Calipers from a 81-83 are a direct swap for 79-80, minus the thread pitch
2) Complete front strut/brakes from a 81-83 will swap over, minus the thread pitch
3) Strut/shock inserts for a 81-85 will go into a 79-80 strut housing if you make a spacer.
4) Complete 81-83 disk rear end will swap over to 79-80 cars minus the thread pitch
The thread change can be done by swapping all hard lines with 81-85 parts.
This can also be addressed by having someone supply stainless lines with course pitch at the chassis end and fine pitch at the caliper ends.
-billy
I will try to give a run down:
1) 79-80 Strut housings are longer than 81+
2) 79 had a wedge block style caliper/pad mount. Changed to a somewhat better setup in 80
3) 79-80 have course thread brake lines
4) 79-83 use the same rotor, bearings and caliper bracket.
5) 79-80 did not have a disk brake rear end
You can swap most all of this stuff over. Sometimes only in full assemblies:
1) Calipers from a 81-83 are a direct swap for 79-80, minus the thread pitch
2) Complete front strut/brakes from a 81-83 will swap over, minus the thread pitch
3) Strut/shock inserts for a 81-85 will go into a 79-80 strut housing if you make a spacer.
4) Complete 81-83 disk rear end will swap over to 79-80 cars minus the thread pitch
The thread change can be done by swapping all hard lines with 81-85 parts.
This can also be addressed by having someone supply stainless lines with course pitch at the chassis end and fine pitch at the caliper ends.
-billy


