mozzaITA

Hi all, Thinking of getting something different and after reading up on these im a bit curious. I know that they are 4x4 1.8 16v turbo, with steel internals and roller-bearing turbo capable of 400bhp these hav got to be worth a look.

anybody had one before?

they made a 1.6 gtx or something which was turbo 4x4 1.6 aswell?

any info would be appriciated.


thanx

moz

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Was speaking to a chap last weekend who use to own one, said it was quite interesting to drive (something to do with the diffs) but a right sleeper.

Tony

GC8

Depends which model Tony; the tasty one is as subtle as a late Evo. Ive imported a couple of them and they are very nice, as well as a roller bearing turbo the top model (of two) has an FMIC too; they look a little like an old Toyota Starlet at the back though.



The specifications are:

Mazda Familia BG8Z Hatch and BG8R Saloon GT-X from 1989

3 door hatch / 4 door saloon; fulltime 4WD 1160/1180 Kgs; 180PS; 6.44/6.56 Power Density

Mazda Familia BG8Z Hatch GT-R From 1993

3 door hatch; fulltime 4WD; 1210 Kgs; 210PS; 5.76 Power Density

Simon

cong

i read somewere they had weak gearbox

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

There is a red one of these where i work, would be an 89/90 G reg hatch, i think just the twin tail pipe gives it away to what it really is

Tony

GC8

That was the Mazda 1600cc 323 4 wheel drive turbo made from 1985 on a 'C' plate onwards. This is a different proposition entirely.

Simon

GC8

That'll be a GT-X Tony; the GT-R is shown in the picture.

Simon

147_TS

these are gorgeous and rare cars... a friend of mine had 323 Turbo 4x4 with estimated 600hp, this car smoked 500hp EVO7 at drag race, it handled like b*tch and accelerated like jet 5km ride (3.11miles) did cost him about £350 that was just too much so he sold it for £15500. I have never seen anything like that in my life before, that car has a really great tuning potential so if you get one, I bet you will definitely not be disappointed... and moreover, it doesnt attract as much attention as Scooby does!

RRH

I had one in the late eighties- my mate was running one in group A at the time and the car I bought was his practice car. I had the full group A exhaust system and adjustable suspension, and she did go incredibly well.

I bought another a couple of years ago on ebay and it had more holes in it than a chunk of swiss cheese, so much so that there was very little to weld to so I sold it again, on ebay, and made a profit the back broke loose as it came off the trailer when we delivered it, but we knew the suspension ws shagged too.

Another problem we did find is that parts are getting quite hard to find- I was looking for upgraded suspension and brakes, and there doesn't seem to be much available in the UK. I was also concerned that if I had a gearbox problem I might struggle to find another. As it worked out the ebay car was rubbish anyway so the excercise was academic.

There are some good late cars out there still, and a couple of bbs's realting to them They are tunable and fun, just bear in mind that the parts issue could become a problem.

GC8

Again that'll be the 1600cc car; it came out at the same time as the Lancia Delta HF 4WD which the Integrale was based on; they were both reviewed in the same edition of CCC.....

The BG8Z referred to here doesnt share any parts with the 1600cc car fortunately.

Simon

craigdmcd

iTrader: (2)

I mechanic on one of the original 1.6 4wd turbo Group A cars from 1987, only it isn't so original now, rough spec shows engine out to 1950cc with farndon crank in a 1800 block, anti-lag with miram shaft turbos, 1 bar boost off throttle and 2.2 on-boost, water-injection, and water spray on intercooler (299bhp, approx 460lb-ft torque, xtrac straight cut 6 speed box, proflex fully adjustable dampers, Group A Impreza Titanium hubs and uprights, kevlar Recaros, wiring redone to Focus WRC standards, runs on Impreza 15" gravel rims or 18" magnesium tarmac rims. Quite a puppy, I'm sure you'll agree. Oh, at present we call it EVO XXVIII

mozzaITA

hmmm, the 1.8 GT-R one sounds the daddy, how much do they go for if you can find one that is!?

dome

Not a certain yellow one in the Scottish Rally Championship is it??? Brilliant wee car if it is...

GC8

£1,000 in Japan; £4,000 here.

mozzaITA

Id pay a grand for one all day long but not 4k!!!

Brother_Will

a mate of mine bought one for £300 it was mid restoration at at the time with practically a seconds car worth of spares. He then couldnt be bothered with the rebuild so tried to sell it on for what he bought it at, no one wanted to know. So hes been ebaying it in parts for the past few months last count he made 2k on it.

craigdmcd

iTrader: (2)

Most certainly is

GC8

This thread is about the 1800cc car, the BG8Z, they cant be bought for £300.

Simon

Brother_Will

Perhaps, i dont remember wether it was 1600 or 1800 but like i said it was in pieces at the time and he did buy it off a mate.