Keeping Options Open
04-13-12, 10:43 AM
#1
1st Gens are the Best
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Keeping Options Open
What other engines will fit in a FB GSL-SE? I've heard only the 13b from 84-85. Could one put a 12a or other motor in. Not sure of the condition of my 13b and there is a 12a I can get for around $250.
04-17-12, 04:18 PM
#2
You could make the 12A work with a few mods. The 12A uses a carb (low fuel pressure) and the GSL-SE is EFI (higher fuel pressure). The GSL-SE exhaust manifold won't fit the 12A, the motor mounts need modified (since the 12A is shorter), emissions and wiring is different, etc. It can be done with a little time/work, but I don't think it is worth it with the "downgrade" in power/torque. It would be better to rebuild/replace the 13B.
You can also use a later 13B (like out of a 2nd gen). The S4 (86-88) is the easiest to swap, but other years will also work with a little more effort. The main thing that you would need with the S4 engine is the GSL-SE front cover (since the GSL-SE mounts are different). If you had a complete S4 engine, it would make sense to use the S4 ECU and wiring harness as well.
Lots of options...
Kent
You can also use a later 13B (like out of a 2nd gen). The S4 (86-88) is the easiest to swap, but other years will also work with a little more effort. The main thing that you would need with the S4 engine is the GSL-SE front cover (since the GSL-SE mounts are different). If you had a complete S4 engine, it would make sense to use the S4 ECU and wiring harness as well.
Lots of options...
Kent
04-18-12, 01:26 PM
#3
1st Gens are the Best
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Hmmm...I had no idea the 2nd gen would work. That's really cool. I'd rather not put a 12a in and I definitely don't want to put a small block chevy in it. I guess I'll stick with the plans to rebuild.
04-18-12, 03:49 PM
#4
I think that is a good plan. While I like the 12A FBs, it is just a bit weird to me when I see them in a GSL-SE. If the rebuild doesn't pan out, swapping to the S4 or S5 13B is a good choice. Most of it isn't too bad if you get the S4/S5 ECU and engine harness, but you do have to be comfortable with wiring diagrams and be able to tie that ECU into the rest of the GSL-SE harness (for power, clutch switch, etc.).
04-19-12, 09:31 AM
#5
1st Gens are the Best
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Well, if I end up doing that, I'll definitely need some help! I'm sure with a bit of help I can do it. I've got the Haynes for the GSL-SE, I guess I would have to pick up the one for the later years (still haven't got the hang of the S3/4/5 acronymns yet). I just recently got the FB part down!
04-19-12, 03:54 PM
#6
This is what you want:
http://foxed.ca/index.php?page=rx7manual
It includes all of the Factory Service Manuals for all years. The FSMs usually give much more detail than the Haynes manual (but the Haynes does have some better pictures, etc.).
S1 = 79-80
S2 = 81-83
S3 = 84-85
S4 = 86-88
S5 = 89-91
.
.
.
http://foxed.ca/index.php?page=rx7manual
It includes all of the Factory Service Manuals for all years. The FSMs usually give much more detail than the Haynes manual (but the Haynes does have some better pictures, etc.).
S1 = 79-80
S2 = 81-83
S3 = 84-85
S4 = 86-88
S5 = 89-91
.
.
.
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