What does this do?
 

I was parting the GSL-SE out today and I noticed this and was perplexed as to it's name and function. Anybody know? Also, what else is the difference between a GSL-SE suspension and a gsl suspension. Everybody seems to want my suspension. I didn't know there was a difference.

http://volkstarz.com/fb/weird2.JPG

That's called a Watts Linkage... All 1st gens with stock axles and rear suspension have them, not just GSL-SE's...

It's designed to stabilize the rear axle in a left/right direction in turns... Crawl under, have someone rock the car as if you were banking into a sharp turn and you'll see what happens...

At least that's IIRC... I haven't been under my 7 in several years.

As far as your suspension versus a GSL's... Yours has a more common bolt pattern (114.3 mm x 4 or 4.5 inch x 4) versus (110 mm x 4)

114.3mm/4.5 inch x 4 is used on many cars including Honda Accord and Acura Integra... This means HUGE freaking wheel selection...

110mm x 4 is used on the 1st gen RX-7, RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-5 Cosmo, and some old RWD Corollas... Not much else...

Also, GSL-SE suspension has larger brake rotors. 10 inch diameter versus the GSL's 9 inch, I believe.

GSL-SE also has a 4.10:1 rear end gear ratio versus the GSL's (And all 12A cars with stock gearsets) 3.90:1 This is pretty much negated by the larger wheels.

The GSL-SE also has better shocks and springs, but that's a moot point when you go aftermarket.

Thats is what is known as the "watts linkage". It keeps the rear end centered under the car, the same function as a panhard rod.

What I'm wondering is if a Panhard and a Watts do the same job, why does everyone chuck the Watts and replace it with a panhard?

In fact, I've read that the Panhard moves the rear end in an arc rather than in a straight up/down movement like the watts does... Wouldn't that make the Watts linkage better?

The Watts linkage is superior I think,but however Mazda did not utilize it correctly.If the pivot point(shown in the picture)were actually in the center of the housing,and not offset like it is it would be a much better design.I think the Watts linkage gets a bad rap,and isn't a terrible setup.Just my opinion though.

Chris
83 LE
74 REPU
04 RX-8
92 Cummins diesel

Now, I'm not a suspension expert so I am likely to get in over my head very quickly but my impression is that the watts likage could be a good setup, but the problem with the rx7 design is that it is not symetrical. The problem is it compets for room with the rear end housing and the mazda engineers designed the linkage ove to one side and the two different arms swing in two different arcs. this can be bad, especially in racing situations it can cause the rear end of the car to act as if it has a very stiff anti role bar = instant oversteer. I think if the watts setup was symetrical it would work great.

Thanks guys. And am I right to assume that the much desired LSD is inside that rear end. I mean you never know if someone blew the original and changed to a non-lsd to save money. Any distinguishing factors to the outside of the rearend to tell?

Cosmo is 4X120

Thanks... I guess it's a good thing that something has crappier wheel selection than us.

I am not happy with that.

http://www.matthewnanney.com/images/Cosmo/Cosmo-006.jpg


all 4 Wheels are rusted through.

Perhaps some can be custom drilled? Shipping would be a bitch, but ordering some from Australia?

I noticed a plastic trim peice missing on the corner of the right rear window, mine is gone to does anyone know where to get one