1979 rx-7 sa22c putting gsl parts in it...
#2
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (15)
keep the 79 trans, as for the diff, there might be come compatability issues where the driveshaft bolts up to the diff (no sure on that). While you are doing all this work it might be a nice time to upgrade from the points ign to electronic dizzy from the 81-85 if not done already. thermal reactor will not work on the later engine either. you would need to switch to 81-85 exh manifold or spend some dough and get headers to update the exhaust. thats all i can think of off the top of my head.
#3
Village Idiot
iTrader: (8)
Nice to see another 79 getting built. Check through the forum and you'll find lots of info on your questions. A faster way to search something specific is to try a google search and find the link back to this website.
One challenge to the rear end swap is that the brake line thread pitch changed in 1981 so that will require some work as the 79/80 is different. It's a basic upgrade tho. Plenty of people have done it and it is well documented on this website.
Engines will all bolt right in but there are several differences. Nothing too complicated. Again, look through the archives, build threads, non-technical, and 1st gen sections here, and if you are looking for something specific try the google search trick.
Good luck, and post up some pics. Best way for us all to check your progress is to look at pictures of how it's going.
One challenge to the rear end swap is that the brake line thread pitch changed in 1981 so that will require some work as the 79/80 is different. It's a basic upgrade tho. Plenty of people have done it and it is well documented on this website.
Engines will all bolt right in but there are several differences. Nothing too complicated. Again, look through the archives, build threads, non-technical, and 1st gen sections here, and if you are looking for something specific try the google search trick.
Good luck, and post up some pics. Best way for us all to check your progress is to look at pictures of how it's going.
#4
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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I did quite a bit of this work when I had the '79. You'll have to fab a new set of hard brake lines to go with the new axle, but that's easy stuff. Get some coarse-threaded ends for the one end and fine for the other and you're all set. If you can get the struts/brakes I'd do that as well. Alternately, you can cut down the stock strut tube to accept '81 and up cartridges.
But do the dizzy upgrade first! It made a big difference in the overall drivability of the car.
But do the dizzy upgrade first! It made a big difference in the overall drivability of the car.
#5
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thanks guys for those little pointers so.. I have gotten a 85 gsl rx7 its a parts car with that the stuff I'm swapping out to put into the 79 rx7... I'm swapping rear diff so I can have rear disk breaks.... the gsl motor has electric ign already.. but I have just came to a problem with finding front adjustable illuminatus shocks for the 79.. could I get the 81 - 85 shocks if I got upgraded adjustible pillow pall mounts?? Here r both sites I found so far ...
http://www.re-speed.com/index.php/ca...ks-and-springs
http://www.andysautosport.com/mazda/...c00004566.html
http://www.re-speed.com/index.php/ca...ks-and-springs
http://www.andysautosport.com/mazda/...c00004566.html
#6
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Thanks guys for those little pointers so.. I have gotten a 85 gsl rx7 its a parts car with that the stuff I'm swapping out to put into the 79 rx7... I'm swapping rear diff so I can have rear disk breaks.... the gsl motor has electric ign already.. but I have just came to a problem with finding front adjustable illuminatus shocks for the 79.. could I get the 81 - 85 shocks if I got upgraded adjustible pillow pall mounts?? Here r both sites I found so far ...
Race - Shocks and Springs
Client Validation
Race - Shocks and Springs
Client Validation
As for the struts, as I mentioned, you're better off swapping in the strut tubes from your parts car since the '79 strut tubes are about an inch longer than the '81-85 units. If you can't swap strut tubes, you have two options:
1) Put some washers or other metal spacer in the bottom of the tube to shim up the strut inserts so they fit snugly against the gland nut.
2) Cut and re-weld the '79 strut tubes to the correct length. If you do this, do it above the spring perch (assuming you're keeping the stock springs.) You'll have to take care to ensure that the rewelded tubes are straight, but this method worked well for me.
3) Tokico struts are out of stock everywhere due to issues with their distributor. You're much better off ordering rear Koni struts for an '85-86 1/2 Toyota MR-2. They fit the strut tubes and have a shorter stroke, which is handy for lowered cars. The Koni part number you're looking for is: KONI-8641-1072 Sport. You will either need to have the strut machined to fit the stock mounts or get a set of upper mounts in the correct diameter, as these struts do not fit the stock mounts.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
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#10
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s
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It all depends on how much fab work you want. If you're so inclined, you can get generic coil over hardware from somewhere like Summit Racing and build it yourself. Or you can go to places like technotoytuning.com and give them a boatload of money for some (very nice looking) kit that bolts right in.
Do a search in the main 1st gen forum for the rear suspension thread and you'll find everything you need to build it yourself.
Do a search in the main 1st gen forum for the rear suspension thread and you'll find everything you need to build it yourself.
#11
Full Member
Thread Starter
It all depends on how much fab work you want. If you're so inclined, you can get generic coil over hardware from somewhere like Summit Racing and build it yourself. Or you can go to places like technotoytuning.com and give them a boatload of money for some (very nice looking) kit that bolts right in.
Do a search in the main 1st gen forum for the rear suspension thread and you'll find everything you need to build it yourself.
Do a search in the main 1st gen forum for the rear suspension thread and you'll find everything you need to build it yourself.
#12
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
The techno toys are probably your best bet then. As others have stated the thread pitch on your brake lines are an easy problem and replacing your front struts/spindles etc. with the ones off your parts car is the best route. The early parts are getting scarce. The rear flange on the driveshaft is definitely different on the 84-85 big bearing rear ends, so use the driveshaft from your parts car as well. I would keep the front mount oil cooler from the SA and ditch the beehive oil cooler on the later engine, again there are write ups from people that have done it on here.
#13
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#14
Full Member
Thread Starter
OK well since nobody knows. Does anyone know how to get the motor running without the rats nest (vacuum lines)...
#18
Full Member
Thread Starter
Makes sense! does the vacuums fix emissions? Or cus the base is a 79 its a classic would it pass emissions then?
#20
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#21
Full Member
Thread Starter
Can anyone do me a favor if u own an 1985 gsl rx7 carborated.. Take clear pics of the vacuum lines(rats nest) to the carb and of all the hoses ...? Pls so I can hook it up as it would be easier for me to understand!
#22
Full Member
Thread Starter
keep the 79 trans, as for the diff, there might be come compatability issues where the driveshaft bolts up to the diff (no sure on that). While you are doing all this work it might be a nice time to upgrade from the points ign to electronic dizzy from the 81-85 if not done already. thermal reactor will not work on the later engine either. you would need to switch to 81-85 exh manifold or spend some dough and get headers to update the exhaust. thats all i can think of off the top of my head.
#23
Full Member
Thread Starter
Alright back to my build thread so I finally got my car running and with one test drive I figured out some more problems so maybe someone can HELP ME arrrrg .. First I have the hoses, wires and cables (following showing)
Soo guys tell me if u see anything hooked up right ! So the problems .... First I can only go fastest is 20mph in first gear max without seeing rpm and gauging the rpm by power in gears! So I looked closer in to the rpm gauge not working and I think its the ignitors on some of lack in power. But when I looked into the carb and I rev-ed the car and I seen only 2 jets/ port holes was fueling the motor... When I opened other side motor ran quicker... So it must not be opening.. HELP.. Next since I replace the fuel lines to 3/8 and adding accel super stock coils and the car starts right up.. Now the more detailed items when I went to adjust the carb for gas and air mix the more doesent hesitate any bit but when I had it one way wanted was leaking out of this spot! Not the jb weld covering hole!
Wtf is about this jb weld too? Well I had a simple thought about swapping out old intake manifold with the 79 since I have all parts for the air pump but will this 85 carb fit on to it?.. And if the 79 carb is the same i have the parts i might need to fix the 2 jet ports.. Well if u see or know how to fix this help me out I wanna finish soon..
Soo guys tell me if u see anything hooked up right ! So the problems .... First I can only go fastest is 20mph in first gear max without seeing rpm and gauging the rpm by power in gears! So I looked closer in to the rpm gauge not working and I think its the ignitors on some of lack in power. But when I looked into the carb and I rev-ed the car and I seen only 2 jets/ port holes was fueling the motor... When I opened other side motor ran quicker... So it must not be opening.. HELP.. Next since I replace the fuel lines to 3/8 and adding accel super stock coils and the car starts right up.. Now the more detailed items when I went to adjust the carb for gas and air mix the more doesent hesitate any bit but when I had it one way wanted was leaking out of this spot! Not the jb weld covering hole!
Wtf is about this jb weld too? Well I had a simple thought about swapping out old intake manifold with the 79 since I have all parts for the air pump but will this 85 carb fit on to it?.. And if the 79 carb is the same i have the parts i might need to fix the 2 jet ports.. Well if u see or know how to fix this help me out I wanna finish soon..
#24
Full Member
Thread Starter
Fun.... Urrrg well I kinda been peicing things together and now I have to swap the intake manifold to add air pump and the 79 throttle body with the 85 carb and see if I can get the car to run smoother ...
#25
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