Mazda 1300 Coupe – BP Turbo Swapped

Key Details:

• 1976 Mazda 1300 Coupe
• Build: March 1976
• Chassis number: FA3TS-188433
• Engine number: BP523506
• Engine configuration: 4-cylinder inline 1.8L BP turbocharged engine
• Motorsport Australia logbook: 2001693
• Date of issue: 13/12/1999 (original) and 9/11/2021 (replacement)
• Motorsport Australia Vehicle ID: 2486
• Category/group: 3J Improved Production

Features and Specification:

• This very tidy Mazda 1300 is offered for sale after long term ownership and was initially built to challenge the lap record at Mallala
• Being a highly desirable FA3TS chassis, these are the same cars that were campaigned at Bathurst back in the day and are therefore highly desirable
• The Mazda could potentially be put back to road specification and registered, should the new owner wish to investigate with their local road traffic authority
• Gone is the standard 1272cc engine and in its place is a 1.8-litre ‘BP’ DOHC 16-valve inline-four
• The engine was sourced from Japan and is a low kilometre example (sub-30,000kms) from a rare Mazda Familia GTR with a stronger head and IHI ball bearing turbocharger from factory
• Courtesy of its uprated engine, the Mazda puts down an impressive 221kw at the rear wheels at 25psi, managed via a Haltech ECU
• Tipping the scales at just on 880kgs, the Mazda boasts a very impressive power to weight ratio and is capable of a 1:18s lap time at Mallala in wet conditions
• The gearbox has also been upgraded to handle the extra power, with a five speed RX7 Series 5 unit installed in place of the standard four speed
• The car’s drivetrain benefits from a heavy duty tail shaft, alloy flywheel, and heavy duty clutch whilst maintaining its original 28 spline axle
• The Mazda runs a RX4 diff housing and 4.11 Detroit locker with H190 diff centre
• To ensure that the car stops just as well as it accelerates, RX7 Series 4 brakes have been installed to the front and rear, with Hawk Performance HT-10 pads designed to deliver consistent pedal feel and optimal performance
• New front Koni struts feature at the front of the car with 14-inch performance alloy wheels at each corner, wrapped in Yokohama Advan AO48 semi slick tyres
• Inside the car is a Bond bolt-in cage (alloy), lightweight SAAS Kevlar seat and Willans harness
• A full complement of Autometer gauges ensure that the driver is always fully aware of what is going on under the bonnet and a battery isolator switch has been installed directly next to the seat

During its ownership period, the Mazda has always been garaged and has recently been serviced with all fluids replaced. The seller notes that whilst the body presents in good condition, there are some minor rust patches at the bottom of the doors that will need attention (please refer to the photo gallery). A reluctant sale, it is now time to hand the keys over to its next custodian to enjoy the car as it was intended when built – spirited track days, club events or even door-to-door improved production racing.