Hey all, i've been looking for a 1st gen for the longest time and just recently found 2 for sale and don't know which one i should get. They both have nice bodies and tires etc. and only want $500 for em. one is an 84 gsl-se with a bad motor, the other is an 80 the guy doesnt know what model that runs great but 5th gear is fried. any advice here, like how much is a new tranny or how much is a cheap 13b for now? thanks for the help

 

Get the SE.

 

get the GSL-SE
Even if you need to rebuild/replace the engine it will be a better car
more horsepower
better suspension
4 wheel disc brakes
LSD
more aftermarket wheels to choose from
etc.


My gsl-se @ www.portugesethug.homestead.com/jim.html

 

Wow tough call, my preference would also be for the –SE. Wonder how bad the -SE engine really is?

Can you swing both?

 

ok so i get the se, where can i get a motor, or how do i rebuild it? i'm a newbie, i'm a big ford guy, but rx7's make me pee my pants cause i like them so much. wil the guys jap spec 13b in the for sale section work?

 

84 and 85 GSL-SE engines were a bit different from 86 and on 13B engines, they had a different FI system and intake and exhaust ports... you could swap in the entire later 13B engine along with its ECU but im not sure how much work that would entail, id just go for a rebuild would cost about 1500-3000 depending on whats needed and if you decide to port the engine... ya kno... but for $1500 you can get a good quality rebuilt engine.

Look at www.mazdatrix.com
atkinsrotary.com
hayesrotary.com

Those are some of the better engine rebuilders...