Mazda 323 GT-R

[Waugh-terfall]

Right, so, I've recently fallen head-over-heels for the little red 1993 Mazda 323 hatch 1.3i DOHC 16valve LXi in my garage...

So I was thinking about a rallying 323 and remembered the rare 323 GT-R.

It's got a 1.8litre DOHC 16valve Turbocharged engine under it's vent littered hood... BOOORING I hear you say? Talk to the Quiggs? What If I tell you that it produces 210bhp as standard... No? Well, It's got 4-Wheel-Drive, no electronic crap to ruin playtime and the capacity (with some strengthening of the gearbox) to produce in excess of 400bhp...:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Now your fapping? - You should be...

This little pocket rocket was produced from 1992 - 1993 and in it's short production life span out popped 2,200 examples, only. 300 for gravel rallying...

Stock, this baby can manage a 12second 1/4mile time and 0-62mph in 7seconds.:eek: :eek:

As I say, with the gearbox all beefed up, you've around 400bhp per tonne to play with...

Sound like fun to you?

It's goddamn cheap too, how does £3,800 sound for a 1993 model, in pristine condition, having only covered 56,00miles in it's life sound to you?
Like a dream come true?:cool:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/168833.htm

Mazda 323 GT-R, 1993 L-plate, 1 UK owner finished in Rally White (paint code UF). Bodywork is in superb condition having covered only 56,000 miles and the interior is as new with standard familia carpet set still in place and Italvolanti Imola RS steering wheel and Razo gear knob as additional extra's.
When i first had the car came from japan it already had a few decent modifications these are as follows:-

Carrosse rally mudflaps (twin on the front second is angled under body)
Secondary optional hatch spoiler
16" Pearlecent white Advan RC magnesium alloys with Bridgestone Potenzza RE-01 205/45/16 tyres
Alloy underbody armour (covering sump etc)
Rear strut brace and C-pillar brace
Hks SPF induction kit and Hks SSQ blow off valve
Uprated leads
High powered HID style headlamps
Aftermarket exhaust
Greddy electronic boost guage
Mazdaspeed suspension and also new standard set still in box to be supplied with the car
Toad security and kenwood cd/mp3 player.

The car has recently had a full service including timing belt and has 12 months mot and 6 months tax remaining.
These cars are extremely rare and good ones are becoming hard to find these days.

[The_Canuck]

Looks pretty swell.

Oh and, buy it.

[NSXType-R]

Not the best looking thing out there, but sure is a big sleeper. You can scare many an Evolution and Impreza owners out there with this car. ;) Once it's tuned of course.

I can imagine a fartcan exhaust on this car though. :D

Glancing at the title quickly, I thought it was a new version of a Skyline. :D

Looks like lots of fun though. Go for it then.

Oh yeah, one more thing, you people with right hand drive seem to get the best Japanese cars. Us with left hand drive always seem to be left out. :( :D

[Ferrer]

A shame about the wheels and the rear spoiler though.

[Waugh-terfall]

I'm trying to get Dad to swap the 1.3i for it, it's proving difficult though...:mad: Stubborn git.

[cmcpokey]

its a bit silly looking.. but i bet its a fricken riot to drive. im almost a bit jealous. i think if i were to have it, the first order of business was to do away with all of the wings, and other unnecessary body ornamentation.

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

Think of it this way.

Moderate tune of 320bhp + 1200kg + AWD chassis + baby hatchback = invincible road rocket.

[fisetdavid26]

As I already told you, what are you waiting for? Get this little baby ASAP! :)

It looks like a nice car, quick, and ready to own some Japanese rice at stoplights! I dare you to race against my Camry, 0-62 in 11 seconds flat! :D

The sole problem I see is, erm, insurance costs. Good luck with that!

[Ferrer]

Think of it this way.

Moderate tune of 320bhp + 1200kg + AWD chassis + baby hatchback = invincible road rocket.
Invincible road rocket + inexperienced driver = probable write-off... :(

[Mr.Tiv]

Invincible road rocket + inexperienced driver = probable write-off... :(
I'd be happy to see it go...

[jediali]

master that handbrake first Tom :) still a unique choice, just don't become a fanboy

[Ferrer]

master that handbrake first Tom :) still a unique choice, just don't become a fanboy
Too late... :o

[Slicks]

Stock, this baby can manage a 12second 1/4mile time and 0-62mph in 7seconds.:eek: :eek:
Sorry but thats WAY WAY off. If its running 12s in the 1/4 mile, then its 0-62 time would be in the low 4s... (and with 210hp, assuming a flat torque curve with aggressive gears, for 12s it would have to weigh around 2000lbs.)
If its doing 0-62 in the 7s, then its probably a 15 second car.

[nota]

Stock, this baby can manage a 12second 1/4mile time and 0-62mph in 7seconds.:eek: :eek:
Those two times don't correlate .. unless it has an afterburner that kicks in after 63mph

Edit: Slicks beat me to it ;)

[Slicks]

Those two times don't correlate .. unless it has an afterburner that kicks in after 63mph

Edit: Slicks beat me to it ;)

N20 :cool:

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

The 0-60mph in a 210bhp, 1200kg car in itself is stupid- unless the AWD really bogs it off the line. You're looking at a 170bhp/tonne power-to-weight standard, which is only 9bhp/tonne off a Mitsubishi Evo VIII 260, which can do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.

[clutch-monkey]

The 0-60mph in a 210bhp, 1200kg car in itself is stupid- unless the AWD really bogs it off the line. You're looking at a 170bhp/tonne power-to-weight standard, which is only 9bhp/tonne off a Mitsubishi Evo VIII 260, which can do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.
this and the likes of the pulsar GTiR, Starlet GT etc are mad little pocket rockets.
also, i think there's a later model 323 astina that's AWD with the V6, i don't remember though.

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

Yeah, I did say to Tom it was from the same stable as the insane Pulsar GTiR, what're the specs on a Starlet GT? I bet that's a nutjob car.

[clutch-monkey]

FWD, 135hp, 860kg i think. not really the same kinda thing but still light and turbocharged, based off econobox etc etc

[2ndclasscitizen]

I'd prefer the Pulsar GTi-R.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

^ What he said.

However, this is a good compromise.

[Ferrer]

The 0-60mph in a 210bhp, 1200kg car in itself is stupid- unless the AWD really bogs it off the line. You're looking at a 170bhp/tonne power-to-weight standard, which is only 9bhp/tonne off a Mitsubishi Evo VIII 260, which can do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.
I know I'll be labelled as an italian fanboy, but the Delta HF Integrale does 0-60 in about 5"5 seconds. And it's a lot more charismatic than this thing.

Yes I had to do it.

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

I know I'll be labelled as an italian fanboy, but the Delta HF Integrale does 0-60 in about 5"5 seconds. And it's a lot more charismatic than this thing.

Yes I had to do it.

I agree with you entirely, and thanks for helping prove my point... ;)

A shame that it was only LHD- but my neighbour does have one of 3 RHD Integrales.

[McReis]

I know I'll be labelled as an italian fanboy, but the Delta HF Integrale does 0-60 in about 5"5 seconds. And it's a lot more charismatic than this thing.
And probably way more unreliable.
I don't know how many of you have driven an Integrale. I drove one of the latest done and I wasn't well impressed. I love the engine and steering, but the chassis isn't as stiff as you'd expect and the gearbox spoils the fun because it's obstructive and feels awfull. Not my cup of tea..

[fpv_gtho]

I was sitting behind the Ford version of one of these the other day.

[2ndclasscitizen]

I was sitting behind the Ford version of one of these the other day.

Actually I don't think there was a Ford model of this 323 GTR. There was with the early TX3/323 hatches, but if IIRC this model 323 and the Laser TX3 we had were different.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

i think they may have imported some over in NZ ( i do recall seeing just a Regula r 323 hatch in Ford livery and thinking WTF?

but by that model we were building them in australia, IIRC.

[Ferrer]

And probably way more unreliable.
I don't know how many of you have driven an Integrale. I drove one of the latest done and I wasn't well impressed. I love the engine and steering, but the chassis isn't as stiff as you'd expect and the gearbox spoils the fun because it's obstructive and feels awfull. Not my cup of tea..
I said it was as fast, maybe faster, and that it has charisma. Nothing to with the realiabilty, the handling or the gearbox. And despite what you say I'd still buy one... ;)

[Waugh-terfall]

It's not going well, everytime he just says "NO. I'm replacing the Audi next summer and we are trying to move hous AAAND trying to find your Mother a new car, I just don't have the funds right now, I know it's 'only' £3,800 but we have a perfectly good compromise that cost us £980!! So NO!"

grrrrr!

[NSXType-R]

I know I'll be labelled as an italian fanboy, but the Delta HF Integrale does 0-60 in about 5"5 seconds. And it's a lot more charismatic than this thing.

Yes I had to do it.

Sure, but it can't beat this car on price. It's a first car. Seriously. :cool:

Not everyone likes Italian cars from the 1960's and 1970's. :D :D :D

[digitalcraft]

That car is awesome!

[Waugh-terfall]

Dude, it's the answer to your new car question!

[Ferrer]

Sure, but it can't beat this car on price. It's a first car. Seriously. :cool:

Not everyone likes Italian cars from the 1960's and 1970's. :D :D :D
Well the earliest 4 wheel driven Delta is from 1986... :rolleyes: ;)

[NSXType-R]

Well the earliest 4 wheel driven Delta is from 1986... :rolleyes: ;)

You and your little stupid technicalities...... :p

[clutch-monkey]

It's not going well, everytime he just says "NO. I'm replacing the Audi next summer and we are trying to move hous AAAND trying to find your Mother a new car, I just don't have the funds right now, I know it's 'only' £3,800 but we have a perfectly good compromise that cost us £980!! So NO!"

grrrrr!
it'll probably still be for sale next year, lol.

[whiteballz]

In australia this car is called the mazda "familia".

its pretty quick, but i would rather a rex from the same time.

[fpv_gtho]

Actually I don't think there was a Ford model of this 323 GTR. There was with the early TX3/323 hatches, but if IIRC this model 323 and the Laser TX3 we had were different.


i think they may have imported some over in NZ ( i do recall seeing just a Regula r 323 hatch in Ford livery and thinking WTF?

but by that model we were building them in australia, IIRC.

Probably, by '93 i think the Laser was more of a sportback than a hatchback. Ford did make a TX3 AWD 1.6 for 2 models though. The AWD ones are pretty rare though, most of them are FWD.

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

It's not going well, everytime he just says "NO. I'm replacing the Audi next summer and we are trying to move hous AAAND trying to find your Mother a new car, I just don't have the funds right now, I know it's 'only' £3,800 but we have a perfectly good compromise that cost us £980!! So NO!"

grrrrr!
I do see his point, Tom, which is why I keep the "Can we get a Sunday car?" question at bay until the parents have actually moved and have enough dough to play with... :D

Mum's dead-set against it, but it's Dad's money, so we're in for either a classic Merc or a younger Jag, something like that. But not a rice rocket.

[Ferrer]

I do see his point, Tom, which is why I keep the "Can we get a Sunday car?" question at bay until the parents have actually moved and have enough dough to play with... :D

Mum's dead-set against it, but it's Dad's money, so we're in for either a classic Merc or a younger Jag, something like that. But not a rice rocket.
You told me that. I say go for an XJ just as you planned.

[h22a]

familia's are nice, no way it does a 12 sec quarter though. More late 14's probably more likely 15. Of that era of 4wd turbo hatches apparently the Pulsar GTi-R is the weapon of choice. I really wouldnt know though as ive not driven any of them. I think toyota came out with a comparitive model possibly the starlet turbo?

[Juggs]

familia's are nice, no way it does a 12 sec quarter though. More late 14's probably more likely 15. Of that era of 4wd turbo hatches apparently the Pulsar GTi-R is the weapon of choice. I really wouldnt know though as ive not driven any of them. I think toyota came out with a comparitive model possibly the starlet turbo?

i think you and slicks are probably right. the car probably runs a fairly slow quarter mile but has a relatively high trap speed.

does anybody know if this model was ever released in the US?

[2ndclasscitizen]

does anybody know if this model was ever released in the US?

Doubtful. I don't even think it was really released outside Japan.

[McReis]

Doubtful. I don't even think it was really released outside Japan.
I'm pretty sure it was.

[Ferrer]

Doubtful. I don't even think it was really released outside Japan.
I think in Europe it was, at least in some countries.

[Juggs]

well i would cruise the shit out of one of these things if i ever ran across one!

[Mr.Tiv]

well i would cruise the shit out of one of these things if i ever ran across one!
They're not the same, or, I don't think ithey're the same, but there are 323 GTXs on ebay

[Ferrer]

They're not the same, or, I don't think ithey're the same, but there are 323 GTXs on ebay
Wasn't the GT-X the 2-litre version, intended for the works team but never raced?

[Mr.Tiv]

Wasn't the GT-X the 2-litre version, intended for the works team but never raced?
I really don't know a thing about this car. I'll do a little search and see, though.

Wiki tells us that the "GTX model featured all wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.8 L BP engine. In the U.S. it came with a 1.6 L turbo, with the AWD. In 1992, the rare JDM GT-R version was added featuring a number of performance enhancements over the GTX model: a stronger gearbox, sodium filled valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, and an upgraded turbo."

Not much to go on, but whatever...

[Ferrer]

I really don't know a thing about this car. I'll do a little search and see, though.

Wiki tells us that the "GTX model featured all wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.8 L BP engine. In the U.S. it came with a 1.6 L turbo, with the AWD. In 1992, the rare JDM GT-R version was added featuring a number of performance enhancements over the GTX model: a stronger gearbox, sodium filled valve stems, an aggressive front bumper and bonnet vents, and an upgraded turbo."

Not much to go on, but whatever...
What I've been able to find is that the GT-X was the car campaigned by the factory both pre-facelift (with a 1600cc engine) from 1986 and the facelifted 323 from 1990 (with a 1800cc engine). From 1992 the GT-R developped especially for the new Group A rules introduced that year but still without a 2-litre engine, which was viewed as a serious handicap, was meant to be rallied by the works team. But the lack of result meant the team folded at the end of the 1991 season and that works GT-Rs never saw action.

[nota]

Fwiw the Ford version of early 90's Mazda GTX was the Ford Laser TX3 Turbo, also available in AWD. Dick Johnson punted an AWD TX3 to a very impressive 2nd outright in the 1991 Bathurst 12-hour, and in the same event in '92 (against the new factory-entered RX-7 TTs) was again 2nd outright and set to win with one hour to go, only to retire with a busted CV joint

[FEZZY]

Hi Ya Mate

The GTR is Lovely! Is it still for sale?? If so im very intrested??

FEZZY

[Waugh-terfall]

I'm not sure, I'll check PistonHeads for you

EDIT: And apparently not :( 'Advert withdrawn'

[upinthelex]

Photos of my 323 GTX. It's a 1988. BF chassis code. ~250whp

This is a lightweight version. Mazda brought 1200 GTX's to the U.S. in '88 and '89 in total. 1 in 10 were lightweight.(no sunroof/ no powerwindows)

This car has the entire driveline swapped from the BG chassis code 323 GTX's offered in japan.
The motor has been upgraded to approximate specification with the GTR.

GTR uses a IHI VF23 turbo which is unrebuildable and very rare. Mine has a VF20 @ 17psi. GTR has a slightly better flowing exhuast manifold than mine, but I have the GTR version intake manifold on my motor.

The 1.6l gtx's came with a b6t engine. The 1.8l is refered to as the BPT.

[The_Canuck]

Looks awesome man.

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

That's a bad-ass ride!! Waugh-terfall will love you for that one...

Looks like Darth Vader's rollerskate. :cool: