Anybody know what it was?

[randyscycle]

Hi All,

I was recalling some unusual vehicles I have worked on over my 20 year career as an auto tech, and one stood out. It was back in the 80's and one of my customers had a Mazda 323 that was all wheel drive and turbo. Beyond that I can't remember what model it was.

Does anyone know or remember this vehicle? A pic maybe? I just recall it being so different at the time and the guy who had it said he had special ordered it. This is in the day when small car and performance generally weren't in the same sentence, so it kind of stood out in my memory. It'd also be kinda cool to find one of them for a project..........

 

[alphanumeric]

unfortunately, i don't have any pix of it, but i believe you're referring to the mazda 323 GTX, they are so rare here in the US that anyone that has one doesn't want to let it go. i want one myself, but i haven't been lucky enough to come across one yet

edit: after checking the rest of the threads here, i just came across this

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4449

is that what you're looking for ?

 

[MP3Architect]

heres your info...
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/323BuyersGuide.htm

 

[randyscycle]

Thats the one! As a matter of fact, the picture in the link sent by MP3architect is identical in color and style!

I had no idea they were that rare, but I do remeber that even back then parts were a little harder to come by, and service was a bit more complicated just because of the full house under the hood.

Thanks guys!!!

 

[kcbhiw]

FWIW, the FWD B6T driveline isn't as rare as the 323 GT/GTX (in the US). The same engine and transmission were used on the 91-94 Mercury Capri XR2.

 

[MazKid]

They weren't terribly rare...like they weren't Evolution Orange Miata rare.

I've seen a few around, and found 2 in a junkyard one day(same person had both, 1 was wrecked/rusted, the other was just rusted and mediocre). My brother had the junkyard pull the transmissions for him because he didn't want to do it there, but after they pulled the trans's they crushed the cars. Idiots.

And yes, I've seen many XR-2s in the junkyards...they are far less rare.

 

[alphanumeric]

how hard/expensive would it be to "build" a GTX using a base 323 chassis and body ?

 

[ProjectFD3S]

I would build a GTR instead. They where available in Japan UK and Aus I believe. BPT engine. You would need a 1990+ 323 hatchback. They are wicked cars, 1.8L turbo (BPT), 210hp stock

here is a little info on the http://www.japmobiles.com/cars/cars_detail.asp?id=5

 

[MazKid]

how hard/expensive would it be to "build" a GTX using a base 323 chassis and body ?

Well, it's virtually impossible to make a base 323 AWD, either the BF chassis(like the red SE in my signature) or the BG. The floor plans are very different from a FWD and AWD 323. You would have to do lots of cutting, welding, get an AWD gas tank, and etc. Lots of work. You could easily swap in the B6T or BPT in a base 323 - just need the wireing harness, ECU, and a few other odds and ends - but it's been done many times. The BPT is a very common swap for BG Proteges and 323s, even if the engine was never in any North American car.

 

[alphanumeric]

I would build a GTR instead. They where available in Japan UK and Aus I believe. BPT engine. You would need a 1990+ 323 hatchback. They are wicked cars, 1.8L turbo (BPT), 210hp stock

here is a little info on the http://www.japmobiles.com/cars/cars_detail.asp?id=5

thanx for the info ! i didn't know that these 323's used BP's

 

[MazKid]

thanx for the info ! i didn't know that these 323's used BP's

That's because US 323s all had B6s...the BG Protege had the B8(or BP SOHC) and BP.

BF 323 GT-X = B6T, BG 323 GT-X/R = BPT(180hp/210hp)

 

[ProjectFD3S]

That's because US 323s all had B6s...the BG Protege had the B8(or BP SOHC) and BP.

BF 323 GT-X = B6T, BG 323 GT-X/R = BPT(180hp/210hp)

Yup, I always wanted a BG 323GTR, but I loved my BF 323 GT