1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL: A JDM Racing Legend
Discover the journey of Mario Almaraz and his JDM Legend the 1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL, a meticulously built rotary-powered masterpiece inspired by vintage racing and JDM culture.
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Mario Almaraz - 1983 Mazda Rx7 GSL
Instagram: @nostalgicarchive
Photographer: Marvin Recinos
Instagram: @mr2mivin
Performance Stats: 175 WHP | 116 TQ
A Passion Rooted in Art and Automotive Culture
My name is Mario Almaraz, an artist born and raised in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles. My work is heavily influenced by '80s and '90s JDM nostalgia, vintage racing, and the vibrant culture of my city, including its architecture and lowrider scene.
One of my favorite pastimes is diving deep into specific car makes and models, researching every aspect, and curating the perfect parts list for an ideal build. Whether it's suspension setups or something as minute as a steering wheel and hub combination, I get lost in the details. Through building my car, I've learned to embrace the process—not just the end goal. Every step, from research to installation, has been a lesson in patience and appreciation.
As the son of two hardworking Mexican immigrants, I was taught early on to "echarle ganas"—to give my all and stay patient through life's challenges. When you combine my artistic background, my obsession with curation, and my persistence, you get my 1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL—an ongoing art project on wheels.
The Influence of Family and Early Automotive Memories
My father, a mobile mechanic, introduced me to cars at a young age. I would often join him at junkyards or assist with small repair jobs in the neighborhood. As we drove around town, he would point out classic Volkswagen Bugs, reminiscing about his first love—a 1964 Beetle he modified in Mexico with upgraded suspension, tires, carbs, and a full sound system.
In 2001, at just six years old, my father took our entire family to see a movie—one that would change everything for me. The opening scene filled the theater with the roar of Honda four-cylinder engines ripping through the streets. That movie? The Fast and the Furious. From that moment on, I was hooked. Hot Wheels, RC cars—you name it, I wanted to modify it.
Finding the RX-7: A Craigslist Obsession
By high school, my passion had shifted toward skateboarding and BMX. Though I knew Hondas were still popular, I wasn't as immersed in the car scene. But once I got my driver's license and started commuting to college, my dad handed me the keys to a 1995 Honda Civic EX automatic. "Be careful," he warned, "this car has VTEC!" Not knowing what that meant at the time, I started researching Honda modifications, and before long, I was back in love with cars.
Then, one day, my dad casually mentioned, "Did you see the neighbor's new car? Look it up—it’s a 1984 Mazda RX-7." That was all it took. I searched for images and was instantly captivated. The sleek coupe design, rear hatch, pop-up headlights, manual transmission, and distinctive taillights—I was obsessed, and I didn't even know it had a rotary engine yet.
I spent the summer of 2014 scouring Craigslist, messaging sellers, and lowballing offers. The more I searched, the deeper my obsession grew. I studied rotary engines, learned about different RX-7 models, and watched every related YouTube video available. Finally, I found a 1983 RX-7 slightly over my budget, but I took a shot.
The car had a backyard rattle-can paint job, interior stripped down to two bucket seats, and a cracked dashboard. But under the hood, it had a swapped 13B engine with a Dellorto side-draft carb, Racing Beat manifold, and headers. It ran, but it needed love. The owner was selling it because his girlfriend hated it—the perfect scenario for a lowball offer. After some negotiations, he even delivered it to me. On a hot September afternoon, my RX-7 arrived, loud and smelly, but finally mine.
The Build: Three Phases of Transformation
Phase 1 (2014-2017): Making It Roadworthy
My initial goal was simple—get the car running well enough to drive to school. My dad and I sourced interior parts from various first-gen RX-7s at junkyards, reupholstered the interior, and swapped in OEM RX-7 FB seats. The car came with 14-inch Enkei wheels, which I kept, along with new tires. We performed a DIY rattle-can white paint job and installed KYB struts, shocks, and new bushings, improving the overall ride quality.
At this stage, I wasn’t focused on performance mods. Just having a running RX-7 was enough.
Phase 2 (2017-2020): Performance and Handling
After college, I became more interested in track setups and driver-focused modifications, especially after driving through Angeles Crest Highway. I upgraded to Toyo R888 tires, Racing Beat lowering springs, and a Craigslist bucket seat. For aesthetics, my dad and I repainted the car Nardo Gray.
Learning about engine porting and Weber tuning, I realized my RX-7 needed more than just suspension work—it needed better brakes and cooling. By 2019, I had installed T3 coilovers, 15-inch Watanabe-style wheels, upgraded the exhaust, swapped in a Momo Monte Carlo steering wheel and short shifter, and rebuilt the Dellorto carb. The car handled beautifully, but I wanted more.
Phase 3 (2020-Present): Refining the Dream Build
When the pandemic hit, I spent countless hours watching build breakdowns, inspired by cars with clear purpose and individuality. I wanted my RX-7 to follow suit. I contacted TurboDave, a well-known engine builder in LA, who rebuilt my 13B with a Big Streetport and guided me on a proper Weber IDA 48 setup. After breaking in the engine, the car felt stronger than ever.
During this time, I fell in love with vintage Japanese race aesthetics. I sourced an Agent air dam, SEV Marchal headlights, and period-correct Star Road mirrors from LonelyDriverClub. For wheels, Love20bee built me 15x7.5 SSR Reverse Mesh in BBS Gold, wrapped in Nankang CR-S tires.
After addressing transmission issues with a rebuild and installing a Stage 2 clutch, I fine-tuned the ignition and cooling systems. Louie at DNA Garage dialed in the carb, bringing the car to a respectable 175 WHP and 116 TQ.
Now, the car is in its best form yet—track-inspired, period-correct, and a reflection of my passion.
What Makes My RX-7 Unique?
I’ve owned this car for over a decade, and it tells my story. It’s not a collector’s showpiece—it’s a true driver’s car, with battle scars and imperfections that add character. Revving out a properly sorted rotary engine is an indescribable thrill, and I take pride in showcasing what I’ve built. Most importantly, this car has strengthened my bond with my dad—he even did a burnout in it when we first got it!
Mazda RX-7 GSL: Build List:
Engine
- 13B S3 Big Street Port (Built by Turbo Dave, Tuned by DNA Garage)
- Valvoline Racing 20/50 Racing Oil
- Mazda Oem Filter
- NGK Spark Plugs
- Magnacore Spark Plug wires
- MSD Ignition Coils
- 2 x MSD Ignition Box
- Oem Cap n Rotor
- Racing Beat Radiator Hoses
- T3 Steering Box Brace
- Racing Beat Headers
- Racing Beat Universal Muffler
- Racing Beat Pre-Silencer
- Weber 48 IDA
- Racing Beat Manifold
- Carter Fuel Pump
- Holley Fuel Pressure regulator
- Holley Fuel Pressure gauge
- Moroso Oil Catch Can
- AEM AFR Gauge
- Stage 2 Exedy Clutch
- Rebuilt Transmission by RRR
- Koyo Radiator/Relocated Oil Cooler
- Electric Fans
- Upgraded Alternator
Interior
- Momo hub
- Mod 78 Momo Wheel
- GRacingShort Shifter
- LDC Teardrop Shiftknob
- T3 Harness Bar
- Sabelt 4-point Harness
- Redid carpet
- Bride Artis Seat
- T3 Seat Rails
Exterior
- Paint Job - Datsun Green mix
- Paint Corrected/Detailed by @Threepointautodetaling
- Sideskirts (unknown brand)
- Wing (unknown brand)
- Agent front air dam
- Star Road Datsun Mirrors
- SEV Headlights
- eBay Headlight Scoop
- Rear T3 Tow Hook
Wheels
- 15x7.5 SSR Reverse Mesh built by Love20Bee
- 205/50/15 Nankang CR-S
Suspension
- T3 Front and Rear Adjustable Dampening Coilovers
- T3 Camber Plates
- T3 Rear Drop Brackets
- T3 Front Strut Bar
- T3 Panhard bar
- T3 Pandhard Brace
- T3 3GTX2 Front Lower Control Arms & TC Rods
- Front Roll Center Adjusters
- T3 Outter Tie Rods
- T3 Rear Upper & Lower Trailing Arms
- Racing Beat Front Sway Bar
- West End Alignment - Alignment & Corner Balance
Brakes
- T3 Willwood Front Micro Big Break Kit
- Motul Brake Fluid
- Rear Oem Spec Brakes
Mazda RX-7 GSL: Who did the work?
Engine - Turbodave rebuilt and streetported the engine.
DNA Garage tuned the Weber and dialed in the supporting engine mods.
Future Plans
For now, I’m focused on enjoying the car, but I’m toying with the idea of a bridge-port and ITB setup, which would require further engine bay refinements. Time and budget will decide the next steps.
Shoutouts
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@Threepointautodetailing (Paint Correction)
-
@turbodave (Engine Builder)
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@dnagarage (Tuning)
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@westendalignment (Suspension Setup)
-
@mr2mivin (Photography)
-
All the homies!
Dream Cars
-
My RX-7
-
Datsun 240Z
-
Porsche 911
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