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Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 2:09 am
by desmondm2005
Hi all,
I'm wanting to do a turbo setup with my '85 GSL-SE but considering I don't know too much about the FB models, what options do I have? Will a twin turbo 13B work in a FB or will the single turbo from a FC be better? Also, will any of those bolt to the manual transmission that is currently in my car or do they use a different transmission? I found a few JDM turbo rotaries for about $2,000 that include the ecu, harnesses and all accessories.
Any information or advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 2:23 pm
by Traxnada
I daily drive a lightly tuned 12at JDM '85 SA22C... I can hoenstly recommend it if you can get that engine and afford it.
You will be able to get 190/200hp out of it very easily. Gas consumption though, is worse than with a tuned more modern rotary... I get down to 5 or 6 mpg if I start pushing it and can't really get under 18/19mpg if i drive carefully, on the freeway. 5/6 mpg is Lamborghini Aventador at the racetrack kind of gas consumption... It's BAD. lol
So maybe go for a more modern engine... just for the better gas consumption, you'won't regret it... Rotaries are bad, but 12at are REALLY bad hahah

Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 5:01 pm
by desmondm2005
Lol...The few turbo rotaries I found had decent miles as well, I'm just uncertain if they will bolt to my current transmission or do I need a transmission for that specific turbo engine...my car has a 13B in it already but not sure if anyone makes a turbo kit for the 1985 model 13B...as for gas mileage, I'm not too concerned about it since I know you will lose some mpg with any horsepower increase, but I currently average only 19 mpg out of mine
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 6:37 pm
by ian65
you need a Cartech turbo kit for the GSL-SE..... a setup specifically designed for the GSL-SE...... occasionally come up for sale second hand on Craigslist or the RX7 club forum
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 7:50 pm
by desmondm2005
Cool...I will need to look into that! Thanks!! What all parts do I need (ecu, etc)
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 2:25 am
by desmondm2005
Would a turbo upgrade kit for a FC work on a GSL-SE? I found a kit for $556 that has the manifold, turbo, downpipe, oil lines, wastegate, and manual boost controller
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 5:58 am
by Traxnada
desmondm2005 wrote:Lol...The few turbo rotaries I found had decent miles as well, I'm just uncertain if they will bolt to my current transmission or do I need a transmission for that specific turbo engine...my car has a 13B in it already but not sure if anyone makes a turbo kit for the 1985 model 13B...as for gas mileage, I'm not too concerned about it since I know you will lose some mpg with any horsepower increase, but I currently average only 19 mpg out of mine
Well, I can look on mine sometime this week if you want...
I have a 5 speed but I don't know its name...
My gear ratios are as such:
1st: 3.622
2nd: 2.186
3rd: 1.419
4th: 1.000
5th: 0.791
Reverse: 3.493
Final Drive Ratio: 3.909
If you can figure out what mazda transmission had this gear ratio, you might find out what transmission was used...
From what I understand, it's a regular but re-inforced 5speed 12a transmission with a slightly different gearing
Anyway, I,ll try and take a picture of my transmission later on this week...
Re: Turbo options for a 1985 GSL-SE
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:51 am
by desmondm2005
Cool...thanks!! I'm not sure of the gear ratios of my transmission