I just finished reading all of the threads I could dig up that had info on the base model and the sport model from 1986.. a lot of interesting opinions and info. I was just thinking about their differences, which was lighter, etc. and..

If you took a "super base" model from '86 with the steelies, that was built first to perhaps gain good EPA figures due to its lighter weight, and did the following to it, would it still differ from the Sport model in any way?

-convert it to 5-lug
-give it the 15" alloy wheels
-swap in the "sport-tuned" suspension
-swap in the 4-pot brakes
-add the aero kit

Would the sport be lighter now due to the carpeting or some weird option? Would either one still have something the other one didn't? Let's assume that both cars are 5-speeds and started with AL hoods and no options. That is no sunroof, no p/s, no a/c, no cruise, no rear bins, no power options, etc. Just curious.

 

Along with the 4piston from brakes and 5 lugs, it also came with the "sport tuned suspention as mentioned above. According to the FSM, all this package consisted of was the same springs, struts, and front swaybar that would be introduced on the Turbo2 in '87. As for the aero kit, good luck finding one. Not all Sports came with the same aero package. One package consisted of a fiberglass bumper and spoiler. The more common kit was nothing more than 2 rubber corner lips, 2 rubber winglets infront of the rear wheels, and the rubber and most aerodynamically beneficial spoiler (or "duckbill" style spoiler). Other than suspention, brakes and a bit of cosmetics, the Sport was basically a beautified Base model. I own an 86 sport and I love it.

 

Also, options such as cruise, AC, PS, and the sunroof were available. Unfortunately, my car is living proof. Im not tall enough for the sunroof to be a problem though

 

I too have a Sport model, and its great. Everything about it screams function. On a plus note mine currently has all turbo 2 components with some extras.

I think it also was supposed to come with a aluminum tray that goes below the oil pan and makes the car much more aerodynamic by reducing undercar drag, but am not sure if this was optional on other models as well.

 

You guys sound like me, I've just been obsessed with this model since I got mine.


Zerodrift: sounds like you built yourself a GT (sport with a 13BT), that is awesome! I may consider that in the future, hopefully waaaaayyy down the road though, hoping my original motor has plenty of life left in it. Also, you're correct about the aluminum undertray, it's part of the standard aero kit.

Shainiac: thanks for the info, my sport actually has the less common fiberglass kit and I've been trying to figure out whether it's as aerodynamic as the other one or not.


I guess I'm just trying to find something else distinguishable about the sport otherwise it's really just a base model with upgraded brakes and suspension.

 

Post some pics! I've never seen the other factory aerokit offered.

 

Here is my sport:




There isnt really much of a lip on the bumper. Infact, you have to look fairly closely to even notice it.

 

My lip was destroyed, so I removed what was left. I'm hoping to find a nice aftermarket lip. Any pics of the other fiberglass bumper?

 

i too have a sport turned turbo. i love it. it has the duckbill spoiler, the things in front of the rear wheels, and the nice 5 lug stuff. i definatley like the 5 spoke cutter wheels way better than the turbo wheels. right now im painting the S5 stuff i have to go on it.l

 

I feel like such a ***** doing this.. but ok (I've posted pics in other threads like this before)










there ya go

 

Ugh, that's so ugly.

 

i think its purdy.. i would rock that S4

 

The Base model did have lighter carpet.

The Mazda microfische description describes it as "open weave" and I seem to recall it was listed as not having the sound deadning foam and rubber mat under it.

I thought the "super base" was the base w/ alum. hood and 14 "phone dial" alloy rims that was used for EPA figures.

I haven't seen a sport without the sunroof, though I am sure they exist. This is many pounds and at the highest point of the car. They have also become quite desirable for club racing due to the added headroom that is critical w/ a helmet.

When you swap in the 5 lug 4 pot front brakes add the vented 5 lug rear (I believe S5 had solid 5 lug rear on base models- no 4 lug option).

If you find a "aero kit" (the funtional one) sell it to me

They were an option on all 2nd gens, but only standard on the Sport model. Currently about $1,500 to buy all the bits new discounted through Mazdacomp.

My base w/ race pipe, AC delete weighed 2,450 Lbs 1/4 tank of gas.

My retrofitted to base spec TII weighs 2,620 lbs 3/4 tank of gas (missing carpet ).

 

you guys are forgeting the worst part of the sports........no LSD. There was also the same style deflectors in front of the front wheels too. Adrewduiz has a non sunroof sport with a ls1 t56, I think he weights in around 2600. I have a sunroof model.
BTW the pic is not a sport model( see the gxl on the side!), read the title, that is a dealer acc. catalog.
I have all info on 87 models...
STANDARD OPTIONS
gxl wheels with a VR SPEED RATING on the door tag
front and rear side air deflectors
duel remote non areo mirrors, same as base
base cut pile carpet STRIPED DESIGN
power steering
single DIN stereo 40 watt
4 speakers
same brakes and suspention package as same year t2
optionns from the factory include, AC, sunroof and the theft deterrent system and a tape player.

 

ok I want the window louver and that red body kit that is HAWT!!!!!!

 

I'm not sure what this thread is even about anymore.. but still fun. Yes, the car in the ad is indeed a GXL. I only posted it for the sake of comparison. The kit itself was a dealer option that could installed on any model, like my sport for instance.

Thank you! This is the kind of info I'm looking for. How sure are you about this? Did the sport's not come like this too, with the "open weave" carpeting?

They do, see above ^

 

thanks, i like it too

 

No one has mentioned that the 87.5 Sport (just before the switch over to the '88 GTU) had a "twill" ala Turbo II interior. I know because I used to have one.

 

My sport couldn't have been more bare. I have no luxuries at all... no sunroof, no nothing. If it had any more less I'd be steering with a vicegrip, and my feet would be powering the car like the flintstones. See sig below.

 

that sucks i know that now, i cut up a base/sport... i gave the lil duck bill wing to my g/f dad and threw the rest of the aero package away... oops....

 

that's a good thing IMO, the only option mine has is A/C and I'm removing it in the spring (NOT my DD)

 

I didnt mean to come off like an ahole, just wanted everyone to be sure what they were looking at..... I have a build date 9/86, I have the VERY short blue carpet( almost looks like , and it does have a very thin rubber backing.PICS.....

 

i have an s4 without the sunroof, pisses me off... i dont mean to brag but my sport is pretty damn clean for being 21 years old, all factory. i love the sports, they are all about function, mine only came with a/c though. i like the fact they didnt put actual emblems on them, so you just peel the stickers off and its sticker free.

 

I forgot to mention the open-dif and aluminum undertray. The open dif can actually have its advantages in handling (ie the inside tire wont spin on tight turns and less prone to over steer.) The alum undertray was a pretty cool dealy. From what I understand, it is for improving downforce, but in my case, its for grating roads. Mine decided to come unbolted at the front and scoop of a few pound of rocks on a gravel road.

 

hey I didn't think you were being an ahole, thanks for the interesting pic. The only time I've looked at the carpet like that was when I removed the big rubber mat thing from the back. The carpet was super thin back there with no rubber. I'm not sure if the rest of it's like that or not, I'll have to check. I wonder if this is what BLUE TII was talking about. My build date is I think 9/85 btw.