This is a small page about my 1988 Mazda 323GT. I bought this car back in November 2003, with the intention of using it as a daily driver, or for when my other car breaks. In case you are wondering, the other car is a 1990 Ford Festiva with the same engine as my 323. Two completely different cars, but the same engine. The Festiva is basically a rebadged Mazda 121 (euro market only). You can check that car out here Fastiva

About the 323GT. Back in the late 80's Mazda released a special edition of the plain old 323 hatchback, so they would be able to complete in rally racing. This was the AWD, 1.6 liter, 16v DOHC, turbocharged and intercooled 323GTX hatchback. There was about 1243 of these sold back then, and who knows how many are still around these days.

Mazda decided that they would spice up the boring 323 sedan as well. The took the same 16v DOHC Turbo engine, which produced about 134hp in stock form, put it with a stronger FWD 5 speed manual transmission (no automatic available) and mounted it in the sedan. They didn't stop there, they added 4-wheel disk brakes which use larger front rotors then ordinary 323s, electronically adjustable shock absorbers (made by Tokico), power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sunroof, very supportive bucket seats, upgraded interior panels, tachometer with 200kmph speedo, and a whole bunch of other crap that just weighs the car down. The appearance of the 323 GT was improved over the standard 323 Sedan by adding larger more aerodyanmic bumpers, 14" alloy wheels (made by Enkei), honeycomb grille, blacked out trim pieces and door handles, and larger side moldings.

My car is stock, for the most part. It was painted a non-factory 323 colour by the previous owner. The body is in very good condition for a car its age. I have left the engine stock, for now, but have upgraded the suspension and brake system. The 15 year old, blown OEM struts were replaced with KYB GR2's, and the old sagging springs were swapped for Intrax lowering springs. The car handles very good, and it sits at the perfect height. The front rotors have been replaced with drilled rotors, and stainless steel braided brake lines will soon be installed on all four corners.

Pics are on Page 2.