Hey Folks,

Many years back-

I remember in elementary school seeing my first FB.
I remember in high school seeing some of the rich kids with a new FD and bunch of HKS mods, when my main concern was finding a meal.
I remember seeing my first FD (CYM) on the Bay Bridge and wondered what it was like to be able to buy such an expensive sports car.

Forward a lifetime, wife, kids, house, company and things are much different. I have many unique cars in my automotive collection and finally purchased an FD that needs a lot of TLC last week.
In all honestly, it felt like I have come near full-circle being able to buy toys at leisure. My wife says my car obsession is therapeutic for all the hardships of having to raise myself; I've always felt like a kid "outside" a candy store with never a way in.

I purchased a 93 R1 that could not pass California Emissions. Got an ok deal, but decided it would be a fun challenge to make it smog legal again. The car as 128k on it, HKS intake, HKS front mount intercooler, downpipe, coil-overs and PowerFC. I ordered the datalogit software and found quite a few parts on EBay. My call to Mazda was good as quite a few parts are still available from Mazda Japan.

For now the broken parts-

Door handles and rear hatch keys don't work.
Wing not mounted correctly.
Engine idle- Found vacuum leak and easy repair, but needs tuning.
Hood struts are rubbing.
No windshield wipers.
Broken Glovebox.
Shifter bushing missing.
Battery in rear hatch and not strapped down.
Reverse lights not working.
Broken steering column cover
Front carpets need replacing
Broken windshield

I know this is just another build thread to most. But for me, it's a story I share with my kids.

Here come the pics.

Thanks!

Hoover

 

This was the ad pic from Craigslist.<br/>The seller is the nicest person in the world!

 

The evening we went to look.<br/>Not a good idea to buy a used car at night.

 

Finally picked up car and work begins.

 

In the shop.

 

Repairing vacuum leaks. Only had one huge broken t-fitting.

 

See unsecured battery.....<br/>Going to put it back in the front.....

 

Added missing hardware to secure wing.

 

Dynamat was under the panel and kept it from sitting correctly. Removed all of it and sits flush now.

 

Dynmat removal....

 

Door handles are missing tumblers.... that's why they don't work!

 

Installed Atkins shifter bushing. It's too notchy, honestly.



Glued back shift boot retaining ring.

 

Accessed the rear hatch lock and rebuilt the tumbler- Yippy! Trunk key now works even though I'd normally use the interior release....

 

Ordered the OEM style side skirts and mud guard today. Should arrive in a few weeks.
Will shop around for a 99 spec front bumper cover next.

Stock ic, ic pipes and radiator cover arrived.
Still need a stock airbox....

 

Hatch key is tricky to remove. Removing the right side of bumper is faster and allows access to the key tumbler by just loosening the bumper cover and slightly moving it out of the way.

 

Someone just offered me another red FD. Decent price too....


Uhhhhgh.... decided to pass on it.

 

parts arrived for repair/replacement.<br/><br/>Found an oil leak from the front left oil cooler yesterday. <br/>

 

nice

 

Subcribed!

 

What, does it think it's a Lotus

 

Good luck with the build

 

[IM



Finally found some time.....Back from Sema and thanksgiving and couldn't stand all the new factory parts that stacked up. Most important was tweaking the base tune. The previous tune would not idle till full warm and we found the injector on time incorrect. Can't wait to get on dyno.

 

Need a 99 front end- Have the factory side skirts-Paint work soon!!!

 

how much and where did you get the factory sideakirt

 

They are replicas. I think I paid 400.00 and shipping.
I have two sets. Will try and get a picture.