Is there anywhere online that I will be able to buy a drive shaft for my swap, or will I just have to get a local shop to modify a fc driveshaft? I will be getting the engine and transmission if that helps. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Yes. Go with a local shop. Take the length measurements and the T2 shaft with you. You will need to have the flange from the FB shaft welded on so it mates to the FB diff. The shop should be able to fab it up and balance it.

PM me anytime. I have done a few of these swaps.

 

I was trying to avoid taking it to a shop, because I was unaware of any locally. However a buddy directed me to one he used before. I think the rest is straight forward enough. The only other question I though of is do I have to get a gsl-se oil pan or will my 12a gsl oil pan work?

 

Yes. You will need a GSL-SE oil pan and front cover. The 12A pan will not clear the sway bar. A 12A front cover's mounting holes don't line up with the cross member correctly. It can be made to work but the SE is just easier.

 

Ok that's what I was thinking, just didn't wanna buy extra parts that I didn't need.

 

contact thrash driveshaft in texas. I believe they used to be called the driveshaft shop.

they built and shipped mine for less than $250. A local place quoted me over 500 and I needed to supply my own yokes. Thrash had custom mazda yokes in stock for both the S4 Tii trans and the S3 SE rear end I used.

check them out, worth the call.

 

Ok last question, I think. Since I am replacing the 13bt oil pan with the SE oil pan, that would mean I also need to replace the pickup tube with my pickup tube from the 12a right?

 

That is correct. You're on point. I forgot to mention it.

 

Since you said you have done a few of these, I have another question. I can't remember if this is just for the rew swap or the 13bt as well. Will the shifter line up correctly on the new tranny or will I need to keep the shifter box from the 12a?

 

I've done this swap also (outsourced the machining to highly skilled friends rather than workshops and the only part that ended up at a real workshop was stuffed up LOL). You need to put the 1st gen shifter housing on the 2nd gen gearbox to get the shifter coming out the hole.

That means the shifter rod is too long, so you need to drill and trap a hole for the dowel bolt at the correct angle and position.

You might also have a problem with the length of the piston in the clutch slave cylinder. I think Mine was too long and needed to be cut down.

 

Thank you very much!! I'm about to pull the 12a and part that out, but didn't wanna sell anything I might need. That's very helpful!