I owned a 85 GSL-SE a few years ago. When it was running, it was great. The problem was it was almost 30 years old, and various parts were starting to fail from old age. Sure, that happens, but the GSL-SE was a low volume trim level, and didn’t share critical parts with the 12A varients. So when something failed, it…

I’ve had two FB’s, one with the 1.3L and one with the 1.2L. Both were destroyed by other careless idiot drivers, and I’ll have another one some day. They’re too good to not own one. I say they’re absolutely essential to being a gear head because they’re still readily available in excellent shape and low miles for…

The first gens are almost NEVER in anything near good condition anymore. For as many as Mazda sold, it’s amazing so few survived. I have had this ‘85 since new. all stock minus the limited edition wheels taken from an ‘83. Also have a ‘89 GTUs and ‘94 R2.; both also stock.

The first-gens will always have a special place in my heart.

Ditto

Got one for my first car at 16 in 1988...had a blast wearing out all 100hp around every corner possible.

I’m going to agree with Alex, it’s likely a combination of the cylinder bores moving laterally, and a poorly designed first iteration gasket. Some people have their decks pinned in Subaru EJ25 turbo (AKA STI EJ257 and WRX/LGT/Forester XT EJ255) engines to combat this/support higher prolonged boost pressures. Open deck…

Hailcat ??

A blunt is a hollowed out cigar. What is pictured is just a joint.