So I've been a member for several years. Had a different account prior to this one but I couldn't remember the username. Anyway,... my Rex has been sitting for 16 years as I have been in the south and the car has been in NJ. WHELP, she'll be here in a week! Im gonna put some money in her and want to go first class but not stupid crazy. I am deciding if I should keep her bone stock or spice her up a bit. have even thought of Auto Cross. Thought about perhaps putting a wide body on it.
the car went down in 2001 after running through high water, pretty sure it blew Apex seals, it sat for 4 years and then I tore into the motor. its basically 3 bolts away from removal. in this condition it has sat for the last 12 or so years. She Was ordered Brand new from the factory in 1984, 1984 1/2 GSL-SE Charcoal Black, Red interior
Looking for ideas and updates in tech since I last dug into it, My hope is to have it done by Mid-August.
I Cant Wait

 

It will be worth it. Is it flood damaged or a clear title?

Are you the old guy in the second picture?

 

Common engine shutdown when an 84SE is driven through water is ingestion into the Air Flow Meter, as Mazda put a plastic air funnel between the Airbox and the right side radiator support. It was an early though of a cold air intake, but unfortunately water sprayed in the front was kicked up by the air valance and sucked right into the intake. For 1985, Mazda extended that plastic air funnel all the way across the front of the radiator and through the left side radiator support so it drew air from behind the battery. A simple solution, but removed the cold air aspect of the intake as originally designed.

If it sucks up enough (*You were going fast when entering the water), it fills up the intake tube between the AFM and the Throttle Body, forming a water trap. Of course that was 16 years ago... Yours would have dried out shortly thereafter.

With the SE sitting for so long, if it wasn't drained of all fluids for storage, I'd start there with a coolant flush, oil drain and change, dump fuel and add fresh, new plugs, new Distributor Cap and Rotor, maybe new plug wires, and a new battery. Look around the engine bay for chewed wires or anything out of place, and then squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil into the lower, leading spark plug holes, let it soak for a few minutes, and try to start it. Depending on what it does, go from there. If low compression, you could try pull starting it with another vehicle or a long hill.

Sitting that long, there may be any number of things needing to be done to make it driveable, though. Be patient, and stay excited. It'll be worth it - these cars are like time machines to our youth,

 

Wide body's and stock, are at the opposite end of the spectrum from each other. You might fall somewhere in the middle, maybe more on the modified side if you also want to autocross. After 16 years of sitting and high water, you need to get it apart and find out what all it may need. Your budget and available parts will probably dictate where you end up.

 

rebuild the engine. Im doing mine and I'm glad imaging through it.

 

Rebuild motor. Racing beat springs and some nice struts/shocks maybe racing beat front sway bar. Car will handle great and still ride nice. As close to stock as possible is what I'm going for while
Being able to track/autox

 

TG Farrell ... It is a clear title, My step-mother bought it new, ordered from the factory. i picked the car up from her like 18 years ago.
AND no i,m not the old guy in the pic. That's my Father with that said I am in my late 40's

LongDuck.... Dude, thank you for the awesome info, this is exactly what im looking for in the beginning stages. When stored the engine and fluids were drained and it was winterized. I have all parts but do anticipate pulling it all out, having re-machined and seals upgraded. Pardon the pun but ill be stepping on the gas pedal to get this one done quickly!

Banzai.... Still up in the air as to how modified if any? starting with the engine Im leaning to street port however I do want to drive so the idle and MPG are issues to consider. My Budget is $7000

Richard Miller... Great job! your an inspiration brother! I enjoyed your link!

84rtaryrcket.....thanks for the advice on the suspension that has been noted