1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

'SE Upgrds: what first?

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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 03:05 PM
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'SE Upgrds: what first?

I'm getting a 1985 GSL-SE, near perfect condition, already with custom rims and nice tires.

I'm wondering what order i should get my upgrades in? Heres the upgrades i'm thinking:

* Racing beat suspension package (lowering springs, swaybars front and rear, and poly bushings)

* Racing beat street port exhaust system

* Tokiko Illumina's

* Rebuilt, large street ported pineapple racing

* Cold air intake kit from 2nd gen mod

* $200 headlamp circuit system/lights 100/90w from Daniel Stern lighting

* wet 50 shot n20

* interior mods (steering wheel, shifter, etc etc)

what order would YOU suggest?

I was thining exhaust first, as the stock exhaust systems really are restrictive. RB systems really open up the top end (it seems to me), and makes you actually have hp after 4k rpm.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 03:08 PM
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I'd say the suspension package, the Illumina shocks/struts, or the exhaust first. I'd probably get the exhaust first, but I run a 12A, so I don't have as much power to begin with. There's my 2 cents.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 03:10 PM
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Thats what i was thinkgin:

Exhaust, open up the top end, and then springs/bushing/swaybars/shocks.

THEN get into the real power upgrades, once i have more monay.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 03:28 PM
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Re: 'SE Upgrds: what first?

Originally posted by ioTus

* Cold air intake kit from 2nd gen mod
What's this?
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 03:39 PM
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I followed this upgrade path for my SE:

1. Exhaust
2. Intake
3. Suspension

I'd throw in an interior mod here and there (as they don't cost as much and can help you make it through to the next big purchase).

Enjoy your SE! I love mine.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 04:11 PM
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Re: Re: 'SE Upgrds: what first?

Originally posted by Directfreak


What's this?


this is in JIMMY54's car
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 04:27 PM
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1st, drop in a K&N filter for the SE. It's a cheap upgrade that you'll feel immediately. Not huge gains but more responsiveness.

Next suspension. No point in having more power if you can't handle it. RB front swaybar, your choice shocks & springs.

Finally bring the exhaust in. RB system adds 25 hp or so to the SE and you're good to go.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 04:34 PM
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Re: Re: Re: 'SE Upgrds: what first?

Originally posted by ioTus




this is in JIMMY54's car
[IMG]C:\My Documents\My Pictures\cold air sistem shot.jpg[/IMG]
this is a cold air sistem because sit in front of the radiator. jimmys sit on the engine bay.

Last edited by eddierotary; Aug 19, 2002 at 04:37 PM.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 04:37 PM
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Re: Re: Re: 'SE Upgrds: what first?

Originally posted by ioTus




this is in JIMMY54's car
Okay, so you just mean a cone filter.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 07:59 PM
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If anyone is interested in a K&N filter for thier SE - I've got two in the basement (perfect condition) since I put the cone filter on mine. Make an offer.
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Old Aug 19, 2002 | 11:55 PM
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If you want cold air get the kone filter still and just make a box around it like mine. Also take out the stock pipe that goes infront of the radiator and make a pipe that goes into the grill. My filter feels cold after after a run unless its really hot out.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 12:00 AM
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hehehe speed holes & custom denting
Wish I'd talked to you a few weeks ago. Snapped up my K&N on eBay for about $30 off a chap in winnipeg though, so it's all good.

Only problem I'm having with the stock airbox is clearance problems for the strut tower bar.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 02:36 AM
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Any pictures of that pipe RX7 nut?

I was going to use some pvc pipe that i had intended for the 12a , just use it here instead, aim it right towards the filter cone.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:18 PM
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Heres the box. You can't really see it that well but I think the pipe is in there. Its just to the right of the yellow part of the filter. I should have better pics soon.

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/attach...&postid=594108

Last edited by rx7 Nut; Aug 20, 2002 at 01:23 PM.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:30 PM
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How did you make the box? looks like a good idea.

DOes mine have to be that big?

Where should i direct the air to, the outside of the cone, the inside, or just in the general area?

Thanks!! Geoff
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:30 PM
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Heres the scoop in the grill. For a pipe i just used 3 inch dryer hose from home depot in the grill. For the top part I used the orginal pipe the was conected to the air box and cut it, then attatched it to the dry hose down below.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:34 PM
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The box is just sheet metal from home depot(in the furnace duct isle). Use cardboard first to make a template though. For the top I used an old bicycle tube and cut a slit down it and bolted it on. Foam works good to. I think if the box seals to the hood properly then you don't have to really aim the duct.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:43 PM
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Will soldering the ducting together be good enough?

Thats the only form of metal work i know how to do LOL.

I'm thinking it might melt apart tho...
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 01:48 PM
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Ok, I saw somewhere online where they had adapters that fit the cone filter onto the barn door....

Anyone have that link? I think I shoudl do that mod soon....

Already did suspension and exhaust.
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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 02:52 PM
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that scoop in the grille is a problem waiting to happen. You only need to scoop air from behind the header panel. Read the other recent thread on this in which a few of us explained how such a "ram air" scoop can potentially lead to blown seals from hydrolock
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