Better road racer GTU or GXL
#1
Full Member
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Better road racer GTU or GXL
I did a search for info on GTU and GXL and now I'm really confused. Some people say that in 1990 the gxl is better, but in 1988 the gtu is better. All I'm worried about is handling & power, not comfort and other luxuries. I thought that the GTU had better handling suspension, better tranmission and was lighter, than the GXL which was more comfortable with more plush options??
What is the best FC N/A road race car from1986 to 1991.
I'm looking at a 1990 GTU and I'm waiting for ya'll input before I buy. The car will be completly stripped and race only.
Thanks Brett.
What is the best FC N/A road race car from1986 to 1991.
I'm looking at a 1990 GTU and I'm waiting for ya'll input before I buy. The car will be completly stripped and race only.
Thanks Brett.
#3
Edmond Dantes
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/10_year_icon.png)
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if this is a race only ride and will be "completely stripped" i would say just get whatever one it cheaper and put a coilover setup on it. that would be a good start for handling whatever one you get.
86-88 should be slightly lighter but the 89-91 have a little mor power. if yer gonna strip it anyway for weight and racing sake then you might want the S5.
then there is the case of the rear end. S4 limited slip differentials were a "clutch type" that most prefer as long as it is in working condition or been rebuilt.
hope this helps some, i'm sure more will chime in.
Good luck, have fun
86-88 should be slightly lighter but the 89-91 have a little mor power. if yer gonna strip it anyway for weight and racing sake then you might want the S5.
then there is the case of the rear end. S4 limited slip differentials were a "clutch type" that most prefer as long as it is in working condition or been rebuilt.
hope this helps some, i'm sure more will chime in.
Good luck, have fun
#4
We come with the Hardcore
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/10_year_icon.png)
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
88' GTU is arguably the best N/A RX-7 ever made.
There's a power (and a lot of weight) gain w/ the GXL.
However, the GTU is much lighter, and 'I believe' has the TII's suspension.
The 88' GTU is the S4 equivelent to the 89/90 GTUs
There's a power (and a lot of weight) gain w/ the GXL.
However, the GTU is much lighter, and 'I believe' has the TII's suspension.
The 88' GTU is the S4 equivelent to the 89/90 GTUs
#5
Edmond Dantes
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/10_year_icon.png)
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if this is a race only ride and will be "completely stripped" i would say just get whatever one it cheaper and put a coilover setup on it. that would be a good start for handling whatever one you get.
86-88 should be slightly lighter but the 89-91 have a little mor power. if yer gonna strip it anyway for weight and racing sake then you might want the S5.
then there is the case of the rear end. S4 limited slip differentials were a "clutch type" that most prefer as long as it is in working condition or been rebuilt.
By the way, a 90 GTU is nothing like an 88 GTU. a 90 GTU is just a base model( i know, i have one). in 88 the GTU was a bit of a sportier model with some nifty upgrades. now if you find a 89-90 "GTUs" (good luck) then that is what ya want to use to build yer race car.
hope this helps some, i'm sure more will chime in.
Good luck, have fun
86-88 should be slightly lighter but the 89-91 have a little mor power. if yer gonna strip it anyway for weight and racing sake then you might want the S5.
then there is the case of the rear end. S4 limited slip differentials were a "clutch type" that most prefer as long as it is in working condition or been rebuilt.
By the way, a 90 GTU is nothing like an 88 GTU. a 90 GTU is just a base model( i know, i have one). in 88 the GTU was a bit of a sportier model with some nifty upgrades. now if you find a 89-90 "GTUs" (good luck) then that is what ya want to use to build yer race car.
hope this helps some, i'm sure more will chime in.
Good luck, have fun
#6
Super Raterhater
![](/images/misc/20_year_icon.png)
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NY, MA, MI, OR, TX, and now LA or AZ!
Posts: 10,629
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
A 1989 or 1990 GTUs would be ideal. The 88 GTU had the same suspension as the GXL, and same brakes. The GXL's are heavy beasts, same drivetrain though. The older GXL's had LSD's in them, and I think it was an option on the GTU.
#7
I'm bastardizing my car!
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Naperville, IL.
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dont all the S5's have the 4 piston front brakes and vented rear rotors (aka best brakes)? I know some s4's have them, but its different from model to model.
i would go with a S5 since you can make it as light as an S4 if you want, the weight difference is only like 200lbs at most (it says my car weighs about 2750lbs in the door on my car). Plus you have less of a chance of getting electrical problems, engine fires, and you get more power and a bigger gas tank.
i would go with a S5 since you can make it as light as an S4 if you want, the weight difference is only like 200lbs at most (it says my car weighs about 2750lbs in the door on my car). Plus you have less of a chance of getting electrical problems, engine fires, and you get more power and a bigger gas tank.
Trending Topics
#8
Edmond Dantes
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/10_year_icon.png)
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the base model S5 GTU does NOT have 4-piston brakes...............dang it.
i would also agree with gutting an S5 and then build it up.
By the way it is not hard to add the 4-piston calipers to the base model
i would also agree with gutting an S5 and then build it up.
By the way it is not hard to add the 4-piston calipers to the base model
![Smilie](https://www.rx7club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#9
Information Regurgitator
![](/images/misc/20_year_icon.png)
I believe that since the 1990GTU became the base model in '89 it did not have the four piston brakes in the front or the vented rear discs.This is something I believe you would want for a track car.You can get the other brake setup and do the conversion(people are selling the parts all the time) and you should be just fine.I personally would probably get the GXL(unless you're getting a really good deal on the GTU or you can find a GTUs) because if you're stripping it to use as a race car you'll end up taking the luxury items that make it heavy off anyway.The GTUs was the only S5 that came standard with LSD.It may have been an option on the GXL.
#10
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Originally posted by SonicRaT
A 1989 or 1990 GTUs would be ideal. The 88 GTU had the same suspension as the GXL, and same brakes. The GXL's are heavy beasts, same drivetrain though. The older GXL's had LSD's in them, and I think it was an option on the GTU.
A 1989 or 1990 GTUs would be ideal. The 88 GTU had the same suspension as the GXL, and same brakes. The GXL's are heavy beasts, same drivetrain though. The older GXL's had LSD's in them, and I think it was an option on the GTU.
The S5 GXL did not come with a LSD, however it came with the same (even more isolated) suspension as the base series 5 GTU and T2.
There would be no choice in my book. Only NA road race cars I would use; would be the 86-87 Sport, 88 GTU, and then the 89-90 GTUs in that order.
In fact I would be driving a S4 GXL before even a S5 GXL or S5 GTU.
#11
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Easton, PA 15 mins from KDR
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the 89 GTUs is the best n/a rx-7 it has no extra features there is no sunroof i might actually not even power stearing the GTUs is already striped down so that would be the best car for you, but there really hard to find!
#12
Rotorhead
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/15_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Posts: 9,136
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
33 Posts
Originally posted by Icemark
There would be no choice in my book. Only NA road race cars I would use; would be the 86-87 Sport, 88 GTU, and then the 89-90 GTUs in that order.
There would be no choice in my book. Only NA road race cars I would use; would be the 86-87 Sport, 88 GTU, and then the 89-90 GTUs in that order.
BTW, the sunroof may be an asset or a liability, depending on how tall you are, and how much the sunroof must be secured for your racing class. Ask others who race in your class about this issue.
#14
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Originally posted by Capn' Wankel
why the 86-87 sport over the other cars? Price issues, yet still basically the same?
why the 86-87 sport over the other cars? Price issues, yet still basically the same?
also with the heavy duty S4 suspension, you have a slightly tighter (abet harsher as well) road feel and ride.
#15
Yes, that is my car
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New Orleans La.
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is off topic but how does a MT 88 vert. compare to the others in suspension, transmission, etc.? I already know that I have four piston front brakes BTW, and no AAS.
John
John
#16
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Originally posted by JonEQuest
This is off topic but how does a MT 88 vert. compare to the others in suspension, transmission, etc.? I already know that I have four piston front brakes BTW, and no AAS.
John
This is off topic but how does a MT 88 vert. compare to the others in suspension, transmission, etc.? I already know that I have four piston front brakes BTW, and no AAS.
John
So you had the grip of the heavy duty suspension with a more pleasent ride (although the swaybars on the 89-92 were still the S5 plastic endlink ball joint design, the cars didn't loose the feel, unlike how the rest of the S5 cars did. Top it off with the very light rims and a drop in the unsprung weight at each corner, for even better handling.
I personally think the verts are the best handling of all the FCs, it's just the weight of a 88 10thAE and lack of power generally makes it loose out for racing.
#17
Yes, that is my car
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New Orleans La.
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm, thanks I figured that they would have good handling as RX-7`s go. Mainly for safety since you don`t want a convertible losing control as easy as a low base model. I figure that`s why here in the states we got 4 piston brakes but the turbo option was not offered. :-( The handling is the thing that sold me one the car actually, it was way tighter and responsive than my Conquest, and it still feels pretty good even with my new heavy crome wheels. Mine came with 3rd gen wheels BTW so I never drove one with the original mesh wheels.
John
John
#18
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
Originally posted by JonEQuest
Mine came with 3rd gen wheels BTW so I never drove one with the original mesh wheels.
Mine came with 3rd gen wheels BTW so I never drove one with the original mesh wheels.
#19
Yes, that is my car
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New Orleans La.
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
.......the last guy who owned the car said the rims were stolen so he got the 3rd gens, but since I now have crome wheels, they are even heavier I guess, but when I sold the 3rd gen wheels and shipped them out in the boxes my crome ones came in they weighed the same for postage, about 50lbs each with tires.
John
John
#20
Full Member
![](https://www.rx7club.com/images/misc/05_year_icon.png)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all of your input, I was thinking that the S5 GTU would be the better car but it doesn't have 4 piston brakes. So I'm now looking for a S5 GXL or a S5 GTU with 4 piston brakes if that was even a option.
It's confusing that one year the GTU was the better performer of the N/A's then the next year the GTU was the base model ??
So let me get this straight the S5 GTU had the same sway bars as the TII but not the same brakes. The S5 GXL had the TII brakes and the sway bars. The S4 GTU had the TII brakes and sway bars. The S4 GXL had the TII brakes but not the sway bars. (WHEEEWW!!!)
I think I got it , Damn Stupid Confusing Fu**ing Japs!!!
If I got any of this wrong let me know.
Thanks Brett.
It's confusing that one year the GTU was the better performer of the N/A's then the next year the GTU was the base model ??
So let me get this straight the S5 GTU had the same sway bars as the TII but not the same brakes. The S5 GXL had the TII brakes and the sway bars. The S4 GTU had the TII brakes and sway bars. The S4 GXL had the TII brakes but not the sway bars. (WHEEEWW!!!)
I think I got it , Damn Stupid Confusing Fu**ing Japs!!!
If I got any of this wrong let me know.
Thanks Brett.
#21
Senior Member
![](/images/misc/20_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Montgomery, Al.
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Icemark
Actually the 88-91 verts are one of the best handling ones... it used heavy duty springs and sway bars, but shock valving was re-configured for a more compliant ride.
So you had the grip of the heavy duty suspension with a more pleasent ride (although the swaybars on the 89-92 were still the S5 plastic endlink ball joint design, the cars didn't loose the feel, unlike how the rest of the S5 cars did. Top it off with the very light rims and a drop in the unsprung weight at each corner, for even better handling.
I personally think the verts are the best handling of all the FCs, it's just the weight of a 88 10thAE and lack of power generally makes it loose out for racing.
Actually the 88-91 verts are one of the best handling ones... it used heavy duty springs and sway bars, but shock valving was re-configured for a more compliant ride.
So you had the grip of the heavy duty suspension with a more pleasent ride (although the swaybars on the 89-92 were still the S5 plastic endlink ball joint design, the cars didn't loose the feel, unlike how the rest of the S5 cars did. Top it off with the very light rims and a drop in the unsprung weight at each corner, for even better handling.
I personally think the verts are the best handling of all the FCs, it's just the weight of a 88 10thAE and lack of power generally makes it loose out for racing.
#23
Senior Member
![](/images/misc/20_year_icon.png)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Montgomery, Al.
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by jkekeisen
How do I tell if my model (88GXL) has a LSD? Bought it with a seized engine and we are currently rebuilding it.
Jim
How do I tell if my model (88GXL) has a LSD? Bought it with a seized engine and we are currently rebuilding it.
Jim
Get both driven wheels off the ground and spin one, if the other wheel spins in the opposite direction you have an open diff. If the other doesn't spin at all then you have a limited slip.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
#25
Hehe, actually there is a tag on the rear pumpkin that will tell you what it is. It's right on the fill/check plug. It will say "Limited Slip Differential"... basically warning you that if you put fluid in it, it needs LSD additive for a clutch type LSD... Fun stuff... smells like **** cause of the sulfer content.