mekanikal

I recently came across an 81 fb for 900 dollars, and I wanted to know
if it was worth it. the car is in really great shape and it sounds and idles
like it just had a fresh rebuild. Only problem is that it has some title woes(fixable).

i'm pretty new to FB's. I've aways wanted one, but I was holding out for a gsl-se.
I dont' know though, by the way this car ran I think i'm sold. just a few questions
for the FB gurus .I hope you can help

does this model come with an LSD? (i couldn't tell as it had no badging)

how much HP is a 12a pushing in top notch condition?

how much HP can I gain by upgrading
carbs, exhuast, headers, emission removal etc.?

if the model has no lsd how hard is it to switch the rear end of
one that does?

and lastly what's easier to maintain and upgrade, a 12a or a 13b?



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trochoid

iTrader: (6)

81 was the 1st year that lsds were an option and then it was only on the GSLs. If it has disc brakes, it should have an lsd. Stock hp is 101, with a full exhaust and carb/intake upgrade, you can achieve 35-40 more hp. In many ways the 12As are easier/cheaper to upgrade for hp than the 13Bs. Just depends on how much you want to spend.

Fwiw, a nice swap would be to install your TII engine and tranny. Much more fun in the FB than the FC.

Most of your questions can be answered by reading the 1st gen FAQ thread at the beginning of this forum.

Welcome to the 1st gen section and the Darkside. In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual and other rotary related reading. Download whatever you need and read read read.
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FBsliderseven

iTrader: (2)

the gsl model comes w/ lsd. you can tell by the sunroof and rear brake discs.
i dont really know the peak HP unless you can tell us if its stock or moded.
you can gain around 40 hp depending on what carb, headers, and exhaust you buy.
ive seen some threads saying that it wasnt too hard to swap rear ends but i wouldnt really know.

vipernicus42

iTrader: (4)

Sunroof isn't a dead giveaway

My GS has a sunroof, but drum brakes and no LSD.

Jon

1980REX

rearend swaps are easy. if you get it from the junk yard make sure you get the brakes for it too(if not rebuildable they make good cores). i've done it a couple times, the drive shaft will bolt right up(unless its an 1979-1980 the bolt patern is smaller so you would need the drive shaft also).

XLR8

iTrader: (52)

GSL's will have cruise, power windows and mirrors, and disc brakes. Some of these things were factory options for the lower models, but the dead give-away is the disc rearend.

rotor vs. piston

If you can't swap a 3rd member in less than an hour with basic hand tools you're doing it wrong... or taking breaks for beer

For the price and if it runs good I'd go for it... you can try to low ball but I think $900 is fair. You're in AZ but still check for rust everywhere...no rush = for sure you should pick it up.