I recently picked up an 85 GSL (standard trans) with a fairly strong engine in it. Want to put the engine into my 83 Limited Edition.

Did the 85 come with a Limited Slip Differential by default? If so, how easy is it to pull this and put it under the 83? 82? (can't remember if it's an 82 or 83, actually...)

Main reason I want to use the 83 is that it has a much better body, and interior.

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

bump!

 

The GSL in any year came with a LSD rear/disk brakes. As far I was told when i've looked into it, theres what 12 bolts and its off? You'll need the driv-shaft with the 85 also. Last you'll need the e-brake cables. Just get under them and map it out, it wont be bad, just clean the rear-end up while its out, use some chasis paint and make it nice.

 

The '83 driveshaft is the same as '84-85. Grab the driveshaft anyway, since it's good to keep spares. I have two '83-85 driveshafts with aftermarket U-joints, and they both vibrate pretty bad. I grabbed a driveshaft that still had good OEM U-joints and the vibration went away.

 

Okay, so the 84/85 rear ends had thicker axles...

The pre 83 rear ends had thicker driveshaft flanges, right?

I remember hearing the 83 was the bastardization of an axle with thin axle shafts and a thin flange...

Is this correct?

 

Yes, according to the information that I've gathered.

 

SO then... Putting an 85 Driveshaft and Rear End in my 83 would give me a better car even if LSD wasn't an issue then? That would mean BONUS times 2!

 

Well, the '84-85 rear is quite a bit heavier, and supposedly the axle tubes are weaker than the '79-83 stuff. But it does give you more options, as if you need to replace the differential then anything from a '84-04 Mazda 7" should work. (This includes FC and '94-up Miata)