Hello, I'm Andrew, I've been on the board for awhile but haven't posted much. I'm not too familiar with the rotary's yet but I'm learning steadily.

Anyways I have an '86 GXL thats pretty tore down, bad motor, rattlecan'ed ext., but it has all the goodies on it like the spiffy interior w/ back seats, 5-lug etc.

Also, early next month I'll be getting a running '86 SE, good body, stock..


My questions are, would it be better to swap things from the GXL to the SE (I was thinkin it might have a lighter chassis??), since it's already running and registered or would a GXL be better in the long run? The SE looks better lol.

Also, is there any potential for torque increase on a N/A S4 or would a turbo set-up be the only way to break loose?

Thanx for your time, Dru. :-D

 

Also, what would I want to swap over if I drove the SE?

My list is:
5-lug, brakes w/ master cylinder
interior maybe, I like power windows 8-)
w/e small peices the SE migh be lacking

Would the GXL tranny have a better gear ratio than the SE's?

 

get new wheel bearings, poly bushing total car kit, stainless steal break lines. you don't need to swap the master. pads and rotors, struts and strut bearings. You will be removing this stuff any way now is a good time to make sure its in top shape, do it now or later... now is easier and your car will be safer.
The tranny, drive shaft, diff, and halfshafts will be the same..
Swap over all trim that is less broken or the color you like. If you swap the carpet you will need to remove the dash or cut a slash in part of it under the radio.
but if you don't take my advice on replacing the parts listed pull the entire sub frame in back and A-arms to strut bearing in front and you will need the break lines.


and welcome

 

Good call on the bushings. I'll try and get those done before the car is mobile.

Brakes will deff be getting done, whats a good company for ss lines?

Would a new, bigger radiator and electric fan help a lot?

I've seriously got a lot of extra parts on my hands lol.

 

mazdatrix there web page sucks, the parts and prices are top shelf for every thing i've ordered from them.
the stock cooling system has never given me problems, but only use top quality thermostats as i've seen a lot of engines become worthless due to a failed thermostat.
When your talking about a 20 year old car new parts are never a bad idea but unless the radiator has a cracked endcap or some other form of damage i would just get a cooling system flush.