1988 Mazda 323 GT Build-Up

[88323GT]

1988 Mazda Familia GT Build-Up

Hello all!, New to the Site, But not Mazda.
Currently own 2 Mazda 323's, One 88' GT, and one 89' SE.

Right now, Not alot has been done to the GT, But im hoping to change that. Paint was originally Dark Charcoal, But the Clear coat is pretty much gone, looks like someone Krylon'ed the front of the car.

Current upgrades are as fallows.

-Tokico Stuts
-HKS Turbo Timer
-HKS Intake
-2.5 Cat back exhuast bearing a Magnaflow muffler (Sounds Very good, nothing like a fart can)
-Font CorkSport Strut Bar
-Brand New Kenwood Audio
-Ford Escort "Powered MoonRoof Swap"
-Honda Civic Short Shifter
-MX6 GT Core Support Mount Intercooler
-Dual Guage Pod w/ Autometer Boost and Air/Fuel Ratio Guages
-Turbo XS BOV
-HKS Manual Boost Control

So far, the car is real nice, and a pleasure to drive. Keeps up w/ Turbo Civics quite well.

Future Plans as Follows

-Sti Blue / Gunmetal Silver two tone paint job
-H&R Lowering Springs
-Ecu Chip from CorkSport to handle up to 16 PSI of Boost (Increases Fuel Map)
- Lancer OZ wheels
-Escort/ Galant Brake Upgrade (Inside Hub)
-Imark Bumper Replacement
-Intercooler Relocated and replaced for Front Bumper Mount
-HID Headlight Conversion
-88'-89' GTX Front Seats Swap
-IHI VJ11 Turbo Swap
-HKS SSBOV
-Replace Cat
-Fog Lamps down the road.

If Possible, I want to keep this Thread up to show Progress of the build (Yes, w/ Pics) as I go.

I will snap some Before shots tomorrow for you all to see.(drive2)

Thanks!
Kyle

 

[Antoine]

Welcome! (hi)

Sounds good so far...be sure to post (pics) ASAP and keep us updated!

 

[88323GT]

Thanks! Glad I found this site too!

One more thing to add to the list Of future mods.

-Powered Windows and their appropriate door Panels.

Ile take some pics this afternoon.

Cheers!

 

[Lodivigo]

I'm glad I found this thread, definitly can't wait to see some pics. I've always had a soft spot for the 323.

 

[88323GT]

Well, I got stuck repairing my roof (PNW weather sucks!) so didnt have much time for anything else. Ile try to post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[antlind]

Well, I got stuck repairing my roof (PNW weather sucks!) so didnt have much time for anything else. Ile try to post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks!

Ahh, finally a fellow GT owner on the forum.
Your ride sounds great, post some pictures. I also have an 88GT that I call my 'baby'. It's bone stock except for the suspension and wheels. I used Tokicos and H&R springs that I got from Derek at Corksport; and I got a set of 240SX wheels.
Corksport is a good (and perhaps only) source for GT components. Here is a picture of my ride.....
Anthony

 

[88323GT]

Hey Anothony!

I Recognize you from 323 Performance (Im 323SE). You really do have a nice car, better shape then most. Your lucky to find em anymore in decent shape, looks like we got lucky.

Ile try to take some detailed pics after work when we hopefully have some more light out.

Nice to meet you anyway.
Kyle

 

[88323GT]

OK, Some Pics...

These are way old, So Some Mods are not On the car at this point, but like i said, new pics tomorrow, hopefully....

 

[88323GT]

...and the Guage Pillar

 

[antlind]

OK, Some Pics...

These are way old, So Some Mods are not On the car at this point, but like i said, new pics tomorrow, hopefully....

Wow...that car looks like it's straight from the showroom...Very nice indeed. The body looks rock solid....

BTW, where did you source the pillar guages for your ride....I've been looking for a set for a while now.

Anthony

 

[mazdadude]

88323GT: What a clean ride! Looks great!

I have wanted a GTX since 88.

 

[Lodivigo]

Nice cars guys! My first manual was an '87 DX hatch. Not as nice as the GT's but it was still a blast to toss around.

 

[88323GT]

Unfortunitly, like i said earlier, its not that nice anymore. The front clear coat is gone, no more decals, and theres clear coat stripping off the roof, so its starting to show its age.

The Pillar, if i recall is off of a Civic, early 90's? Its not a direct fit.

I think my next car, if I can find one will be the GTX, I really want one of those!

And like last night, I got home too late for pics, since its getting dark way to quick for my liking.

 

[antlind]

Unfortunitly, like i said earlier, its not that nice anymore. The front clear coat is gone, no more decals, and theres clear coat stripping off the roof, so its starting to show its age.

The Pillar, if i recall is off of a Civic, early 90's? Its not a direct fit.

I think my next car, if I can find one will be the GTX, I really want one of those!

And like last night, I got home too late for pics, since its getting dark way to quick for my liking.

You know you can purchase the original side decals from any Mazda dealership. I got myself a complete set since mine were also coming apart. They're not all that expensive either. Check it out.
And I know what you mean about getting dark sooner...wait til they turn the clock back then it's going to be darkness leaving and returning home.
Anthony

 

[88323GT]

Can anyone help me with pics? I have them in my email, since i was on another computer, but the file is unrecognizable.
Also, antlind, When you got those decals, did they come as one peice, or one set of two?
Thnx

 

[antlind]

Can anyone help me with pics? I have them in my email, since i was on another computer, but the file is unrecognizable.
Also, antlind, When you got those decals, did they come as one peice, or one set of two?
Thnx

The decals come as individual pieces. I think it was something like $15CAD for each door decal. The 'GT' decal for the front fenders was under $10 each. So you may have to spend about $50CAD for the 4 items. I'm sure the US price will be less.
It's amazing that even though the US and CAD dollars are almot equivalent, we Canadians still pay more for many items (such as books, magazines, electronics etc) than our neighbors in the US.
Anthony

 

[88323GT]

Some pics, finally got it working.

 

[88323GT]

A few more, and....

 

[88323GT]

My current Interior, and shots of my Ford Escort Powered Moonroof swap.

 

[88323GT]

This is a HowTo Write up I did at Mazda 323 Performance, Thought it would come in handy here. Hope it helps some of you fellow 323'ers This is When I installed my MoonRoof to my car, Pics in previous Post.




"Well, i figured enough was enough, and theres just so much sun to be had this summer. So i headed to the local j/y to scout for a new sunroof.

I scored better then i thought. Found a 95' escort lx w/ the glass panel powered moonroof. So i snagged that and the controls out of an mx-6 gt, since i knew the escort controls didnt fit right.

Heres the install. (Sorry for the lack of photos, no cam right now)

For those who dont know how these are instaled, you need to remove both A pillars, seatbelt brackets, both B pillars, headliner retainer trim all around, sun visors and brackets, old roof crank and base, rear veiw mirror and bracket, passenger jesus bars, and center mounted light. Your headliner should fall out completly.

Gently pull headliner out of car, and set on flat, SAFE surface. This is a very breakable peace.

Now grab your 1/4 ratchet with a 10mm socket, and loosen all 8 nuts and bolts (6 bolts and 2 nuts). Be sure to unclip your center light harness, as well as the front harness and drain hoses.

Your old rusty broken panel sunroof should drop right out. There are 2 mounting tabs on the old sunroof that need to be moved over to the new roof. Reverse order for new moon roof install. The escort moon roof, even thought Identical in mounting and frame, will be a slightly tighter fit. Persuasion came in handy at this point.

This was the slightly tricky part of this whole thing. The escort controls/harness doesnt just clip in. Know this ahead of time so you dont get discouraged when it doesnt work at this point. The harness for the old roof just was set for lights. on it, you have a black ground wire that bolts to the body. It needs to be switched over to the main clip that plugs into the body harness. This wire needs to plug into the green wire. Now the sunroof will work.

After installing the headliner and such again, found the mx-6 gt control panel does not fit either. But this problem can be fixed with using a BG protege control panel. It plugs directly into the harness's, and screws right in, as well as covering the rear veiw mirror base, for that factory look and finish. Install complete. Play with it a few times, lock up the car and go enjoy a beer. "