So I found a 1st gen for sale. I don't know anything about it other than it's supposedly got a new caruburator but I also know it hasn't been moved for at least 6 months because thats when i initially found it. I haven't talked to the owner about it because it's parked in a cage at his shop and I've enver had the money to buy it. The body is flawless except the paint and the trim around the windows. My friend who knows him said he's asking $700 for it. I THINK it's an 85 but I could be wrong. I know it has the series 3 tail lights. So I'd just like to know the things to look out for, particularly the carubrated models. Any responses need to be as spelled out as possible because I only have experience with fuel injected vehicles (N/A 13B 7's included). Thanks for reading!

 

Here's a pix of my S3 interior or 84-85. that will tell give you an idea on which year it is. Dont make the common mistake in starting an engine that has been sitting for months. Pour a cap full of regular oil thru the carb (if its N/A) and crank the engine without the spark plug wires to lubricate the internals.

 

Also take note if the rear has disc brakes, if so its got the LSD also, big plus right there. As for the carb if your in an area where you can get away with it, exchange the carb for a Mikuni or Weber if not get it built by Sterling (Do a search)

 

As of right now, I just want it to run. If it will last me till summer, I'll be satisfied. I plan on a 20B swap with a lot of other goodies.

Did the disc brakes only come in a certain trim or year or what?

 

any gsl or gsl-se(13B FI) will have LSD and rear discs stock.

 

I'm about to go try and talk to the owner of it. I'll also try to get some pics for you guys. Maybe I can talk him down even $200 cause I don't make jack where I work.

 

If you don't make jack for income, then I suggest you pursue some form of higher education. A 20b install is a 15-20k dent in the pocket book and if you can't afford 700 for an initial purchase price, a 3-rotor is no more than a wet dream at this point in time. Not trying to be a butthead, just laying a bit of reality on you.

 

My brother has a 20B and 6 spd tranny from his old '85 that he isn't using. Other than that, It would run me $4000 for the engine alone, not to mention shipping, mounts, etc.

With that cleared up, the thing only has 55,464 miles on the odometer. Somebody brought it by to get the carb rebuilt and never came back for it. It has drum brakes on the back so no LSD. The transmission needs rebuilding and right now it is pulled. I've heard that a Ford Ranger tranny will work in those cars. How true is that?

Here's the pics of the car.







And this is a possible parts car I might can get.

 

Looks decent, could easily be worth 700 if the engine is good. Don't know if the Ranger tranny is a direct bolt in or not, never heard that one. FB trannys are easy to come by.

 

Well if i can cut a deal for the white 7, i dont think itll be a problem. But cutting the deal will be the trouble because I think it was the guy's college car or something and he may not want to sell simply cause its sentimental value, plus I'll be tearing it down. I hope I can get it by New Years. I'm going to work a lot of extra time on my christmas holiday coming up ina few weeks.

 

keep us updated! andgoodluck with the car

 

Thanks.

Can someone tell me if a Ranger tranny will work though?

 

bump

 

I thought I posted an answer somewhere to your question. I have doubts that it will fit. FB trannys are easy to come by, besides, there should be one in the parts car, right?

 

Well right now I'm assuming I'm not getting the parts car so I need a plan B. Imports alone are hard to come by in my area, let alone a rotary car.

 

i'm a bit skeptical on that Ranger tranny-thing, too. if you're going to get the car though, a tranny is the least of your troubles. just get the one that he's supposedly rebuilding and you've now opened up your options to both Gen I and Gen II trannies - you'll have the tail housing and as Trochoid said, they're not awfully expensive.