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My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 2:21 am
by Exeon
Hello everyone, Exeon here, I recently introduced myself on the forum after buying my first Rx-7; my first car at that! And as promised, I would like to share with you all my 1984 Rx-7 project, it doesn't need a whole lot of work, so it might not be considered a project, however I do plan to do numerous mods/restorations to it.I just bought this on Saturday July 11th! At the moment, she needs brakes(next week will post update on that when they're finished), going to need a professional detailing job all around, the paint is from 2009, its fairly new, just sat for a while, and the paint is tarnished from tree sap and other dirt and grime. The interior can use a good cleaning too. For some reason in some of the pictures, the paint looks pink, however the car is very red though in person just like the first photos, I think it was because of the lighting in the garage.
Current Build Specs:
Brand new 2008 Buick 3.8L Swap(less than 2000kms), new wires and plugs, rust free body except two spots, small surface rust on the door under the paint (not visible) and the passenger floor pan has surface rust (no hole yet). Also a has a new Kenwood audio Deck
Current plans:
Brakes, Rims, Fender Flares, Original Spoiler, Steering wheel, New seats, New carpet, maybe rear louvers (haven't decided, I love the original windows), also in need of a detailing

Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 10:29 pm
by m swann
looks nice and clean. What year is the Z lurking in the background ?
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:00 pm
by Exeon
The Z28 in the background is my Dad's 1980 Z28 Camaro

It's a beauty, but needs some work aha.
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 11:44 am
by Lucky
Looks good! I'm not all that with modern American engines, is that the V6 like in the Grand National?
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:23 pm
by SE Survivor
Fist time ever to see one of those in an RX. Buick 231,odd or even fire-you can tell the difference at idle,if it shakes it's odd fire. Had one that came oe in a 1971 Jeepster Commando, moved it along pretty good. Should motivate that RX a lot quicker. What trans is behind it? Not the GN engine,it's a Buick but different engine family. Had a friend that had a Pontiac Sunbird with that engine in front of a 5spd trans, ran really well.
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 9:03 pm
by myatt1972
Nice looking car, Ive often wondered how putting a big lump in effects the cars handling ?
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:42 am
by SE Survivor
On second glance,i can see the throttle valve adjustment cable for the transmission,so it's an automatic.likely taken from the same donor car. myatt1972,that combo is sure to be heavier than what came in it,so certain to be a little noseheavy. On another note,had a nervous ride in a friends 82 GSL with a 5.0 Ford transplant. Went like stink,handling wasn't all that bad,was definitely a point and shhot car after the swap.
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:33 am
by Exeon
The engine was never inside of another vehicle, it was bought as a crate motor. To answer Lucky's question, yes it is a V6 like in the Grand Nationals, however this motor was manufactured in 2008 apparently, still working on identifying the exact engine, it is also automatic with a new transmission as well. I haven't gotten to test the car out yet in terms of power, as it isn't on the road yet, needs brakes. I will update you guys with what engine and transmission it is as soon as I find out.

Thanks for all the replies, really awesome to talk with you all!
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:41 am
by Exeon
SE Survivor wrote:Fist time ever to see one of those in an RX. Buick 231,odd or even fire-you can tell the difference at idle,if it shakes it's odd fire. Had one that came oe in a 1971 Jeepster Commando, moved it along pretty good. Should motivate that RX a lot quicker. What trans is behind it? Not the GN engine,it's a Buick but different engine family. Had a friend that had a Pontiac Sunbird with that engine in front of a 5spd trans, ran really well.
Hey, thanks for the reply! It must be an Odd fire, it shakes quite a bit xD in a good way though aha, I think it has a bit of power, just not sure yet, haven't hit the road yet. Maybe I will post a video of it running this week sometime when I get the chance, are videos allowed/ encouraged around here?
Re: My 1984 Rx-7 GSL Project.
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:33 pm
by SE Survivor
Is it new or reman. Was not aware it was still being produced. In the trim as it looks in your car,it's the same as was offered from 1976 to about 1981,known as a corporate engine was an optional engine choice in Chevrolet Monza and Pontiac Sunbird,Buick had a small car it came in too,think it was a Starfire. As mentioned with a 5spd manual behind it,was pretty lively,torquey. There were aftermarket go fast parts for it too,aluminum intake manifold,4bbl carb,and several choices for performance cams. These pieces would really wake up that little engine. Not sure of availability of these parts now.