How to recognize a RX7 GTUs
 

I am looking to buy a 89-91 RX7 GTUs. Assuming that the plastic decals on the sides are gone, how can I identify a real GTUs? I've seen basic models with larger wheels, brakes, aluminum A-arms, which I believe came standard with the GTUs. Also, what else do I gain going with the GTUs?

Thanks, Jaime

i believe it also has the alum. hood.

Look on the label inside the driver's side door jamb. The tire size should be listed as 205/55/16. That mkes it the only N/A to come with 16 inch wheels.

Well, the GTUs model will have no sunroof, no rear wiper, no power options. All were 5-speed. Either white, red, or black. IMO the easiet way to tell is to look on the sticker inside the door where it lists the stock tire size. If it calls for a 16" tire, then its a GTUs, since that was the only N/A model to come with the 16s. A GTUs is bascially just a lighter N/A model, that came with bigger wheels and stiffer suspension. The main thing that sets it apart is that it came with a 4.3 rear end, which is the only model to ever come stock with that.

Read the "stickies" listed as the first few posts on this forum.

There is 0 collector value in an GTUs, so if you can just find an FC with the options that you like, then you should get it regardless of the stock model trim.

Some Typical GTUs Features
 

Manual Windows
No Moon Roof
A/C
4.3 Diff. Gears with Viscous L.S.D.

You can check the gearing by driving in 5th gear at 70 mph. A GXL with 4.1 gears will read about 3000 RPMs, but the GTUs will read higher (around 3500) (its 5th gear is different too).

Exactly. Now I wouldnt mind having a GTUs just because of its rarity, but no one would give a shit except me. In my opinion, no FC model is perfect, they all need parts swapped and frankensteined to be the way I want it to be. You can either get a light base model, but then you will be left with the small brakes and wheels, wimpier suspension, etc.. Or you can get a GXL, and get the LSD, bigger brakes, better suspension, but get a overall heavier car with power options you may not want. The S5 cars have some better asthetics, but are for the most part overall heavier, and have the damn mouse belts. ;) IMO just get whatever FC is in the nicest shape, and swap parts as you see fit.

*edit* - and BTW, the GTUs was only available in 89....except for about 100 that slipped throught the assembly line in '90.