Ruffwood

I do not own an RX7 but I am looking for a 89-91 to Roadrace and Autocross. From what I have read the biggest difference between the GTU and GXL are the anti-roll bars and brakes. I am especially interested in how much better the brakes are on the GXL since I beleive they are 4 piston calipers. Any comments will be welcome.

Thanks
New Member
Bob Woodruff

Scott 89t2

I'm pretty sure all 89+ cars have the 5 lug 4 piston brakes. The gtu will be lighter (less options) which is better. I have no idea about sway bar differences. but you'll probably want some aftermarket ones anyways unless you're running stock class.

vosko

iTrader: (4)

89-90 GTU don't have 4piston calipers, 89-90 GTUs would be best version to get with turbo suspension, 4.33 LSD , and 4 piston calipers from the factory

Node

iTrader: (1)

but itll be a tough one finding a GTUs well at the price of a GTU or GXL ;-)
buy a bummy 87 T2 for $2500

n/arotary

iTrader: (1)

The brakes on the GXL are 10.9 inch vented discs in front with 4-piston calipers on front, and 10.75 inch vended disc in the rear.

The brakes on the GTU are 9.8 inch vented disc in front with single piston calipers and 10.6 inch solid disc in the rear.

From the information that I have, the roll bars are the same size.

Another thing to consider is the weight difference. The GTU curb weight is 2800 lbs, where as the GXL's is 2881.

The best N/A to get is the GTUs, but they only made around 1500, so it is hard to find. That model weighed 2775 and had the same brakes as the GXL, plus the stuff mentioned in the previous post.

I am looking to buy an 89-91 to autocross also. I concluded that if I could not find a GTUs, I was going to get a GTU because of the less weight.

Supermac

Another option is to go with the 88 GTU, the REAL GTU. The 89-91 GTU s were the base models, where the GTUs ( note the location and meaning of the "s") in 89 replaced the 88 GTU with a few more fun things.

the 88 GTU has the 4 piston brakes, weighs in at 2625lbs empty. with a few insignifigant mods, this car is every bit as fast as the 89-91 engines. Also it weighs much less.

Ive got one for my daily driver, and i love it to death

Ryde _Or_Die

I thought I would ask since I was wondering...what is the big deal about brakes? I mean are they that important in auto-x? I never done it so I don't know.

Node

iTrader: (1)

bigger drilled rotors last longer w/ constant braking like at a autoX where you are braking constantly and wont overheat and **** up on ya.

Node

iTrader: (1)

theres a black 88 GTU around me
i want it ;-)
but its $2900 which i could get a 88 AE for $3500, errrrr

t_mak@mail.plymouth.edu

Brakes is always important. Also I assume the guy wants to run in stock class since the FC is helpless in CSP. Well same as CS.

Anyway, I like GXL more since its my daily driver. I mean i dont want to pimp with crank windows...

n/arotary

iTrader: (1)

I am planning on running in CSP. The horsepower from a free flowing exhaust is too tempting, especially not having to worry about the back pressure with the air pump opening the ports, and living in Nebraska we have no inspections.

I have only autocrossed for a year in my 95 Mustang GT and want to autocross a car with more balance. I have always liked RX-7s, and figured I can learn how to autocross with a RX-7. I really want to get a GTUs, but I don't think I will be able to find one.

I have heard that the second generation RX-7 is not competitive in autocross on the national level. I think that with modifying it and learning how to drive, I will be able to compete on a local level. I thought about getting a different car to be more competitive, but can't imagine racing anything but a rotary.

SpeedRacer

I have a GTU, and I just bought a used set of 4-piston calipers. You can find them at junkyards for a bargain. I also upgraded the rotors at the same time. It works great for auto-x'ing. Definently worth the upgrade. I'd recommend doing that over getting a heavier GXL.

Ericdrivesrx-7

What kind of calipers do the stock 88 gtu come with?

BhamBill

The 88 GTU has the 4 Piston fronts. Unless you've got national CSP hotshoes in your area, you'll do fine on the local level. I started the year last in class in the Seattle area with street tires and non-stock springs. By the end of the year I added Victoracers (205's) and a header and I was running mid-pack. I won my class locally. It was a great education on autocrossing and how to get competitive. However, if you want to win in CS or CSP the 2nd gen. MR2 is really tough.

Turblown

iTrader: (12)

VERY TRUE
IM going to start that as my sig, ill quote u don't worry