You Spin Me Right Round: 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE
The first generation RX-7 (SA/FB built in Japan from 1978 to 1985) was a interesting highlight in the sports car world of the early 80s. The RX-7’s light weight frame
was propelled by a unique engine – the Mazda rotary. Find this 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE offered for $3,500 in Sahuarita, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
The GSL edition was the higher end RX-7 in the early cars and included
4-wheel disc brakes and a limited slip differential. With the release
for the series III cars in 1984, Mazda added the GSL-SE, which used the
same GSL parts plus a fuel injected Wankel engine putting out few more
ponies.
Under the hood is a 1.3 liter 2-rotor Wankel that puts out 135
horsepower and 135 ft-lbs of torque without the aid of forced
induction. The free revving engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox
pushed the 2,300 lb 2-seater from zero to 60mph in 7.7 seconds when
new…which isn’t much to brag about today, but was pretty quick in 1985.
See a better way to drive a wankel? tips@dailyturismo.com
I'd ask the seller what they're doing in place of the MOP (metering oil pump – aka oil metering pump/OMP aka the thing that injects oil into the rotor housings to lubricate the apex seals). I'm guessing s/he is premixing…which means 2 stroke oil in the fuel tank. Something to keep in mind if you live in a place where emissions testing happens.
I guess my noob question would be why would you block that off in the first place? I know nothing about Mazdas but Beat Racing is a name I've heard for 25 years, so I'm assuming they know their space. What's the down side to the OMP and is it that much worse than having to premix at every fill-up?