Recently entered the FD world and wanted to ask around what work everyone does themselves. For a newbie, I have no problem using a shop but want to be able to do some of the work on my own not to save money but as a
hobby. Wondering what type of work everyone does on their own today and what items I should stay away from i.e. rebuilds, brakes, cooling system, turbo upgrades, etc. I am all about learning this car but also do not want to play pretend and fool myself.

 

Be a fighter pilot and leave all maintenance to a shop. It's best that you pick someone/somewhere to get intimate with the workings and quirks of the car. Either do it all yourself or do none of it.

its rough to be in a position where you pick and choose what you want to do and then mess something up and have to take it to the shop for them to fix. Youd be surprised what kind of cascading failures can come about from some of the most simple things.

pick a different car or a different hobby. Leave it all to a shop

 

I do all of my maintenance and repair in all of my vehicles. I don't take anything to a shop. I've been working on RX-7's for 20 years and in doing so, I have acquired the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment to do so. Its costly but it's worth it and I know the job is done right and I have a sense of pride in my car that I wouldn't have otherwise.

 

I don’t know, I feel like Goldielocks...this bed’s too hard, this one too soft...but this one’s just right...

titan35...you didn’t mention how much experience you had with diy wrenching. Outside of engine internals and turbo-management, this car isn’t much different than any other OBD 1 car out there. So if you ever changed oil, replaced shocks or the brake pads on a 90’s era Honda...or even a Chevrolet, there’s not much that should puzzle you. I highly recommend getting a copy of the Factory Service Manual. There are free sources of downloadable versions on the net, or search eBay etc for a hard copy. MAZDA’S FD manual is actually a fairly comprehensive but easy to follow FSM as they go...and I have no technical background.

If you’re a willing beginner, get the FSM, a decent set of basic hand tools, a good jack and a set of 4 jack stands and start slow. If you’ve got an experienced friend or relative ask them to come over a figuratively hold your hand. Do an oil change. Change gear oil in the transmision and differential. Check those brake pads and change if needed. Do it when you can take your time, but know your limits. Like mazdaverx7 I enjoy doing most things on my own, but like cr-rex suggests, there are some things I’m just not willing to tackle, either because it’s over my head, or because I’m too old and can afford to pay someone to do it for me.
And if you’re a beginner and the car is still stock or close to it, do NOT do any performance modifications. Those can have expensive unintended consequences. And the further you are from stock the less help the FSM is.