Hello everybody! I imagine there is a thread that states the best way of this but I'd like recent more first hand knowledge on this.

OK so the plan. I have an 83 with a 12a that is blowing smoke and just not happy anymore. I have access to a donor 85 gsl-se with the 13b in it for about $700. The 85 is cosmetically pretty rough inside and out. I am considering swapping that drive train into the 83. I know either front cover swap or buying the racing beat cross member is a must. Any other tips or tricks that should be considered? Best to keep fuel injected and swap of fueling system? Go carburetor and keel the stock fuel system? Swap rear ends? Swap front suspension components?

Basically is there anything that would be better on the 85 setup that would be worth transferring to the 83?

As always I appreciate any help. Thanks guys!

 

Buy GSL-SE for $700 with verifiable running engine.

Swap over engine/trans cradle and entire 13B emgine /trans with supporting sensors, wiring, dash, cluster, computer, gas tank, fuel lines, front and rear suspension.

That easy.

 

Why haven't you bought it yet?

 

Unfortunately when I went and tried testing the motor I couldn't get it to turn over by a socket on the e shaft. And couldn't get the car to power up with a jump pack. My brother had it running a few years back but not sure if it's still a viable engine. Im still considering it cause it's a butter option than my 12a that got towed behind a vehicle while the tranny was in 1st gear at about 60mph for about 1/8th of a mile.

 

It can be done. I have an entire restoration thread on the swap. I did the same swap in an 85 GS. It was a little easier for me as the wiring mounting points were the same give the S3 changes over the S2.

There's a lot of work in doing the swap. The main thing is that the entire GSL-SE wiring harness will have to be transferred over to your car. the downfall is that its not compatible with your instrument cluster or HVAC system. For me everything was plug and play because I have an S3. Mazda built all trim levels with the same body and everything was identical. This gave them versatility in building the SE. They could pick whichever body, whenever, and say, ok this one will be an SE. This likely cut down on production down time and costs. So, it could work fine for you but will not be plug and play. You will have to have both wiring diagrams and will likely have to build your own harness out of the two harnesses. For simplicity, I would find another 12A.