Hi, I'm looking at getting a 1984 GSL-SE. I was wondering, how fast can they go with 2k invested? How much would it take to put it into the low 14s high 13s? I've been searching around but haven't found anything. Sorry if there is already a thread open about this, I'm new! Thanks a lot.

~brian

 

Depends where you put the $2K. Im body kits and ****, it would probably be slower than the stock times cause of the extra weight .

~T.J.

 

Try these, theyll help ya a lot!

http://www.racingbeat.com
http://www.mazdatrix.com

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the links. I'd put all 2k into the engine. I'm more of an all go type of guy

 

I recomend a new carb and manifold, exhaust, and take off all uneeded emissions!

 

aren't gsl-se's fuel injected, though? thanks for the reply!

~brian

 

Yes, all GSL-SEs are fuel injected. Some people do convert them over to carb though.

~T.J.

 

2 grand welp you can get a stock rebuild and run 15s all day long.
rebuilding is the most costly(2000 to 7000$$) of any engine out there, check around at prices and you will say HOLY CRAP !!
even headers,intakes ect... are .out of this world for such a small engine
later

*edited by Acuspeed*

 

Put a few hundred into the Racing Beat header and exhaust system - instant 20-25hp right there before you touch the engine!!

(speaking from experience as the owner of an '85 SE with the exhaust mod)

I now have about 180hp on tap and blow away cavaliers before I notice they're trying to race.

 

And if you can handle it, run streight headers like I used to!

Even the hearing impaired could can hear that ****!

 

What are you talking about? $7000 rebuilds?? LOL!!!!!

Brianmcd,

This guy has been inciting flamefests and causing trouble on here recently, and doesn't have half a clue what he's talking about.

Anyways....

For $2K you can go pretty far with a first gen RX-7. My experience is with carbs, so I'll talk about that (it's a nice conversion option for a GSL-SE). You can pick up an excellent used carb/intake system for quite cheap - Racing Beat Dellorto 48DHLA complete setups go for $300 used. You will need to rebuild the carb, but this isn't too hard if you have experience or are willing to learn (I was a carb rookie and managed to end up with a very nicely tuned car, with research and the help of friends I met on here.)

With a Racing Beat exhaust system and a proper fuel pump and regulator, this combo will net you an RB claimed 190 hp on a stock engine and will have you into the 14's.

Check out this page:

http://www.gruntled.com/Dellorto/

Obviously you can go with the stock fuel injection, but my understanding is that it has it's limitations - I don't believe it will make the power of the Dellorto. I'm not sure why the conversion would have been so popular if that was the case - maybe the real SE gurus can comment on that.

Don't focus on *just* the engine - you'll definitely want a nice set of tires and some fresh suspension pieces (new shocks and bushings can go really far) to cope with that added power. Don't be concerned about buying expensive wheels - excellent tire choices are available for the stock wheel size, such as Toyo T1-S 195/55-14 and Falken Azenis 195/60-14.

So my advice is that you can easily build a very nice and decently fast GSL-SE for $2k, if you do the work yourself at least. First generation RX-7's are fantastic cars, easily one of the best fun-for-the-buck values on the market in my opinion.

 

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*Edited by Acuspeed

 

What?

~T.J.

 

Would it be better to go with a 12a GS? Thanks for all of your replies, guys.

 

The reality is that $2000 will only get you bolt on modifications. You would end up with about 170-180 hp and still be in the high 14 seconds for the !/4. The best result if you want a better allround car is to spend $1000 on the exhaust side and $1000 on suspension/tyres for better handling/quicker cornering.

Spending $2000 on engine mods would tend to get you up a deadend with cost limits on what you cando to a stockported NA engined car.

To get serious power is another level up say a $5000 budget, rebuild with bigger ports and upgraded ecu, or transplant a good 13bt import.

Its the same story regardless of whether you go 13b with a gsl-se or a 12a gs.

$2000 is a good budget to improve any stock RX-7 if spread around the car, but you will not get near high 13s, maybe with luck and a little weight saving a streeetable very high 14s.

 

Jeeze.... gear down big rig. Simmer down, grab a beer, go get laid... it sounds like your about to burst a ventricle! It's not worth it man!

Back to the topic....

I agree with Paul Fitzwarryne, that if you're looking for real serious power and handling to match, $2000k is not close to enough.

BUT... for $2k, you can do a nice upgrade package which will net you 14's (admittedly maybe high 14's, but with some weight reduction I would say perhaps approaching mid 14's), and nice freshened up handling. This assumes you don't go in for frills, stereos, mods that do not have a high bang-for-the-buck (ignition, electric fan vs exhaust, carb for instance).

I've got a package in mind, but I'm heading out for the day now - I'll come back tonight and price out what I'm thinking, and I'm betting it's gonna come in below $2k (parts prices of course, I'm assuming all the work is done at home in the garage).

 

OK, what do you guys think of this car: http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/v...&car_year=1984

I'm thinking about going and looking at it next weekend. Is that a fair price? It's got a newly rebuilt engine, but lots of miles on everything else. Am I going to have to rebuild the tranny somewhere down the line? How much would that cost? I'm still debating on 13b vs. 12a. I can't decide what I want. After intake,headers, full exhaust, then what would i do to get more power out of the car? Thanks a lot guys.

EDIT: The white car here sold. Now I'm thinking of this green one: http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/v...&car_year=1983

 

$3500 for a 1st gen with 174000 is too much money.

EDIT, well, it does have fresh 13b in it and fresh paint I would inquire about who rebuilt the engine. If it's as nice as they claim, maybe the price isn't too bad.

 

Also, what about this one? http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/v...&car_year=1983 That is a 12a, 109k on car, only 5k on rebuilt engine.

 

I'll be sure to ask him who rebuilt the engine. Thanks for the reply.

 

The white car sold, so I'm now considering the green one: http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/v...&car_year=1983 . What do you guys think? Is that a good deal? THe price is high because of the expensive paint job. What are some things I should look for when I test drive it? Any problems that I should be wary of? Does anyone know if Rotary Restorations is a good rotary shop? Those are the people that rebuilt the engine. Thanks a lot guys, you've been very helpful.

 

personally, no. of course i'm not big on green but it could be arctic silver and i wouldn't pay 5k. now if the car was quick and done by someone reputable, yes. otherwise save your money for something w/o a 5k kermit paintjob.

 

lol kermit paintjob

 

Back to the topic....

I agree with Paul Fitzwarryne, that if you're looking for real serious power and handling to match, $2000k is not close to enough.

is that what I just said in my post or am I trippin.
paul has a great point I guess it takes him to say it LOL
you need atleast a 5000+ $ budget for a serious HP and what ever,
WOW another amazing story NOw its time for a beer

I guess I sould say sorry

*Edited by Acuspeed -- and yes you should say sorry

 

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*Edited by Acuspeed