Side Plates
 

I have two sets of side plates that both have wearing lines on them(exhaust side primarily) not bad, but I wondering if they need to be completely smooth. If yes does anyone know how much they can be lapped down, and relative cost?

Go to www.mazdatrix.com I had mine lapped their they did a great job.Got them ported their too

should be able to get it done at any local machine shop. anyplace that can mill a head or turn a rotor should be able to do it, and alot cheaper than mailing those heavy bastards to mazdatrix(though they undoubtedly would do the best job).

as far as "do they need to be completely smooth?", well no, it will work and you probably would not notice a difference, but as with any piece of engine internal, a worn spot will just continue to get worse and worse. since you already have the engine apart, you might as well get er' done.

Can anyone post close-up pictures of new side plates(the running surface)please?

resurfaceing
 

sure no problem.