RX Turbo Sedan - Questions

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Thu May 11, 2006 7:33 pm

Hi Guys,
I have been looking at buying an RX Turbo Sedan (L series) for a while now and have a few questions:

- How do I tell if it is a genuine RX as opposed to a Leone with RX Bits ?
- Is there anything in particular I should be careful of ?
- What combination makes a good offroader ?
- I have read that most parts are exactly the same as the L series, what are the major parts this is not the case with ?
- Any comments on what they are worth ?

Any other info or sites I can find info on would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Chris_Rogers · Post by **Chris_Rogers** » Thu May 11, 2006 8:08 pm

if you have hte VIN of it that will tell you.
dl the factory shop manual (or email me [email protected] and I'll send you a copy.) and in the front of it is the decode of the VIN.

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Thu May 11, 2006 8:55 pm

For a manual RX, there will be the letters BROBE in the VIN. For a turbo automatic (or "automatic RX") it will be BROBF.

Not having ever owned an RX I can't really answer some of your questions. I can however tell you some differences between the RX and a standard L. The RX's have rear disc brakes, stronger rear axles, rear LSD and a rear swaybar. They also have the chequered interior, side mud spats on the rear doors and a rear spoiler. I've seen some with different front bars too.

Oh and they have the same front axles as an MPFI model, that is the 30 spline variety.

LTurbo · Post by **LTurbo** » Fri May 12, 2006 12:30 am

tim_81coupe wrote: Oh and they have the same front axles as an MPFI model, that is the 30 spline variety.

30 spline? are you sure on that Tim, I have only every seen/heard 25 spline on the RX manual boxes and 23 on everything else.
Not all RX's came with lsd's, maybe just the auto's came with out?

Cheak for rust around the front windscreen, if theres lots it probably leaks and not very cheap to get fixed.

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Fri May 12, 2006 8:54 am

Yes I thought that just after posting but wasn't really sure. Anyway its the same size as the EJ inner cups.

Wilbur · Post by **Wilbur** » Fri May 12, 2006 9:09 am

Pedal box is different as I found out the hard way.

Good offroad set up is 2 inch lift with 3 inch tops and 27 inch tyres.

Be careful of - too much boost without an intercooler and blown headgaskets.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Fri May 12, 2006 9:21 am

The pedal box is different ?

In what way ?

My new acquisition from Nik was an auto but has clutch pedal so had been converted at one stage. Wondering what pedal set up is in it Turbo RX or standard L Series ?

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Fri May 12, 2006 9:28 am

Ok Thanks for the feedback, so the Vin will tell me if it is a Real RX and the other variations are mainly in the running gear and mechanicals, if it is still original after around 20 years.

How do they sit with the panels and trims ? Are they the same as the L series in general ? Can I get a L series A/C unit and put it straight in ? I have read that the doors are all the same as the standard L's but the trims are usually Checker.

Rust - I have been told to check windscreen, sills, rear boot, floors, inside wheel archs. are their any other places ?? Windscreen seems to be the biggest PITA to fix and cost the most.

Are they a good car ??

BlackMale · Post by **BlackMale** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:22 pm

They are a great little car for what they are, and for what they are they will still beat heaps of stuff out there (including the NA EJ’s :P LOL) - i basically have 2 of em

You have the major rust places covered and its not uncommon for em to be a little rust either.

The int. trim is check and so are the seat belts. All the panels are replaceable with stock L series bits.

As for the A/C it will fit however my suggestion is to stay with an L series unit, OH and upgrade ya cooling system – my opinion no smaller then twin core and no need to go triple core either, just run 2 thurmo’s (1 viscous and 1 on a switch or leat it on full time).

As for the 4Wding 2” is legal (many will opt for 3”) and then fit some 27”x8.5x14 off road tread. You could fit some 15” offroad tread under there with the correct offset rims however the tyres are still difficult to find and it will increase loads/grunt/etc to rotate em.

Wilbur · Post by **Wilbur** » Fri May 12, 2006 4:05 pm

The pedal box is different on the clutch side of things. Its pretty hard to explain but if you look at the way the clutch cable mounts onto the side of the box then you will see what i mean (looking at both at the same time obviously).

BlackMale · Post by **BlackMale** » Fri May 12, 2006 4:12 pm

Lightning_Silver_RX wrote:The pedal box is different on the clutch side of things. Its pretty hard to explain but if you look at the way the clutch cable mounts onto the side of the box then you will see what i mean (looking at both at the same time obviously).

my Touring Wagon and RX 1 are exactally the same (i am sure) and interchangeable!?!?! Not that i am desputing you info - i could easly be wrong... its not like i have had to work on my car that much

hehe

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Fri May 12, 2006 5:24 pm

Ok cool..

You say the A/C will fit but stay with an L series unit ?? Can you explain please.

Is the EJ 22 a good swap for the EA 82T if the EA is on its death bed ?

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:11 pm

I would say an EJ20 turbo would be a better swap, same hassle with better outcome.

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:34 pm

but isn't the 22 a more robust engine and better suited to off road duties than an EJ 20 T ?

Also how does the drive train go with the EJ 20 T ?

Wilbur · Post by **Wilbur** » Sat May 13, 2006 8:12 am

Jaffa wrote:
Lightning_Silver_RX wrote:The pedal box is different on the clutch side of things. Its pretty hard to explain but if you look at the way the clutch cable mounts onto the side of the box then you will see what i mean (looking at both at the same time obviously).
my Touring Wagon and RX 1 are exactally the same (i am sure) and interchangeable!?!?! Not that i am desputing you info - i could easly be wrong... its not like i have had to work on my car that much hehe

My RX one broke. You can't get RX ones new anymore so I tried sunspares but they sent me one from a wagon and the clutch part where the cable joins was very very different. I ended up getting my RX one repaired. It had torn out the side from 15 odd years of clutch work.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun May 14, 2006 11:15 am

thanks, will be looking at pedal box shortly