Thanh's 1988 Mazda MX-6 GT

You know, I keep buying these "quick projects" and they end up sitting in my driveway and taking many months to complete. The LS400 I dragged, ditto the Saturn (Saturn build thread here), but at least they were eventually completed, passed smog and were registered and became somewhat reliable steeds. I can't say that for the two projects sitting in my garage at the moment. And I don't have lots of land and freedom to hoard cars, just a 2 car garage and a HOA. So let's talk about the MX6 I have in my driveway, that I bought in October of 2013.

Purchase thread here with some of the work I started;
I blame you, Swank Force One (I can't blame you, it's all my fault.)

Picking up from there, last update was 3/10/14, sorry some pics lost in my hard drive crash, I did work on it here and there every few weeks, most of it documented below;

Ended up installing the dented oil pan back on the car with a cork gasket and some sealant, even though I had grabbed a pan from the JY, the original pan didn't look as bad as I first thought plus I was too lazy to clean out the "new" pan. Broke an oil pan bolt in the process. Thankfully the Harbor Freight screw extractor came to the rescue.

Around that same time, I installed new shifter bushings

from here on, I grabbed what I posted in the "What did you do to your projects today" thread;
4/7/14
Sunday, for my MX6; finished installing control arms, replaced front lowering springs with some AAS units from JY. Washed front wheels. Double checked new valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, replaced oil, charged battery, kerosene flush, new oil and filter. Swapped out early red/amber tails and trunk panel for all red tails and trunk panel. Found another spot where the car had been hit and repaired- the passenger taillight doesn't quit bolt on without some wrasslin. Drove around block, smokes bad, leaking oil from somewhere (dizzy?) and the top eccentric bolts on the strut body must not have been put back correctly as the car wanders something awful. Shifter bushings made a world of difference though. Seems fast and still boosting

4/28/14
Installed new tie rods, new front rotors and brake pads on the MX6 GT. I mean, tried to. the driver side caliper busted a seal and started leaking when I compressed it. Threw the old stuff back on that side, tried to bleed the passenger side, the bleeder valve broke off. I take that to mean my blood sacrifice wasn't enough. One step forward, two steps backward.

5/5/14
New front calipers came in for the MX6 from RA, pass side was good, driver's not so much, the brake line thread was stripped. Luckily the Oreillys on the other side of town had one in stock, so new front pads, rotors and calipers on the front, finally.

I can't believe I drove 2hrs home in this condition.
Also; new sway bar link bushings, air filter, and filled one tie rod end with grease. Other one, same brand, didn't come with a zerk.

5/30/14
Drained the old gear oil out of the MX6's transmission, looked good. Put some Redline in. Swapped in a good speedo cable, well half of it so far. Looked at the accessory belts, wasn't as simple as turning a tensioner bolt so I just left it alone for another day.

7/21/14
Changed the o-ring on my MX6 GT's dizzy.

8/4/14
Swapped seat belt buckles from the replacement JY seat as the passenger belt wasn't compatible apparently. Tried to take the MX6 to get smogged, drove it a bit on the highway and it was all fine, get to the smog station and as it's about to go on the rollers it's puking coolant while idling. Fans never came on. Pushed it aside, found some speaker wire and wired the fans to the battery and cooled it off. Drove it home and unplugged the coolant sensor so at least one fan runs all the time. Had the (new) starter checked too since I can't get it to start reliably. Starter checked out, main wire for dizzy was installed backwards and not staying plugged in, corrected that. Couple new hoses for the two that looked like they were leaking oil. Will try to smog again some other time.

8/25/14
Junkyarding netted me some spare relays and fuses and wire harness ends for the MX6. Traced my intermittent start problem on the MX6 to an ignition switch with a worn slot.

8/29/14
Ignition switch on MX6. Now it starts reliably. One step closer to DD!

9/2/14
Took my MX6 to smog, failed spectacularly (nox). Advised to check EGR, timing and vacuum.

9/29/14
Cleaned EGR on MX6, fixed a broken ground wire, new accessory belts, started correcting the misrouted vacuum lines. There's one plugged into the bolt on the clamp holding the intake down. WTF mate. Need timing light to get her running right.

Sometime between 9/2014 and 2/2015
Bought a HF timing light, returned timing light for one that worked, used timing light to set the car at about 10* advance. I think. First time using timing light.

2/23/15
Was having issues starting, battery strong, starter good. Turned out the negative battery cable was shot, in went a new one and it starts when it should again.

4/13/15
Cleaned and installed a replacement IAC from a donor throttle body and while I was in there also swapped the TPS and throttle closed switch (whatever it's called). Soldered it up yesterday and now the wiring looks less berked and car drives/idles so much better (limited to a couple spins around the block) It kept stalling, though. I'll have to add some gas and check if I have some leaks as the boots didn't seem to sit completely right with the hard pipe and throttle body. Need to repair the female end of the o2 plug and also finger out why my fans don't kick on.
Insuring and smog within the next week hopefully.

4/27/15
Soldered a replacement female plug end for the MX6's o2 sensor. Readjusted the hard pipe and throttle body boot to sit better. Started on the front engine mount but had to stop to get ready for a wedding.

5/4/15
Finished installing the front motor mount on the MX6 which required removing it to cut part of the threaded part off and cleaning up the threads on the bolt and nut. Turned the idle screw all the way down. Threw some gas in it and drove it around the block and parked it until I get insurance and a temp tag to attempt smog.

5/7/15
New temp senders/sensors (others not pictured)

5/18/15
Got insurance and a temporary moving permit for the MX6. Drove it around to shake it down before the smog test, the fans aren't coming on when they should and it's wanting to overheat. Fan controller will be ordered this week. Back tire lost air overnight, going to have to address that too. So close...

5/30/15 finished installing fan controller, have both fans kick on at 195 degrees. It's wired directly to the battery (with fuse) because I don't know/haven't fingered out where switched power is.

5/31/15
Took the car out of the neighborhood to warm up so I can smog. Didn't make it far before car started acting weird and dying randomly. Pulled code for sensor that was inside the distributor so I spent the day trying to repair/replace wires in distributor, put it all back together and tried to start and it made an awful noise like I broke something, valve? Tried to set TDC and install dizzy correctly, it wouldn't start, or it would start and die immediately.
I'm ready to give up on this thing. It's kicking my ass. Ordered a dizzy on closeout from RA, if this doesn't do it, I will cut my losses and part it out.

6/27/15
Decided to do a compression test to see if I busted a valve or something. Wet and dry compression test looks ok. Used balloon trick to find TDC on compression stroke and installed new distributor, car starts up right away so I took it around the block, it runs GREAT.

6/28/15 Drove it on the freeway, got further than the last time I tried to get it up to temp for smog, so I decided to swing by the smog station. Guess what?
IT PASSED!!!
Now I still need to;
Get broken antenna tube out of A-Pillar, install new antenna (or delete)
Figure out the vibration from front of engine
Figure out why my fans don't kick on when they should Fix AC
Reupholster headliner
Reinstall rest of dash, see if the AAS still works
Replace rear seat locks (how?)
Alignment
Reinstall the BOV that came with it. Or another?
Evo8 intercooler?
Wish I could have grabbed that Lorinser exhaust from that S class I saw at the junkyard awhile back...
I also wish the car was white, or at least that the silver paint wasn't such E36 M3

I was originally intending for this to be an ugly (really ugly) sleeper, to commute to work. I think the plan now will be to make it look halfway decent in terms of finish, but in terms of style, I'd like to go full retard. Ricer status, with a huge wing and flush wheels. Yeah. I already have a front bumper for it, and half a set of wheels.

So my deadlines are blown, my total cost is more than enough to have just bought a good running example in the first place, I paid fines for taking so long to register it, the car sat so long HOA sent a nasty letter, but it's turning a corner and I've learned quite a few things, used a timing gun and compression tester for the first time, installed my first distributor, messed with an intercooler and bypass and blow off valve for the first time. Also, recently my hand me down oilless air compressor died and I picked up a welder so I'm gonna start trying to weld once I get a bottle, regulator, cart and helmet. Next one should be easier, right? I have 2 to pick from already in my garage, but I still cruise Craigslist

Neat. Good job on the rehab.

I would delete the antenna. They never work right anymore, i just deleted mine and got one of those $5 hideaway antenna wire dealies. The bezel where the antenna exits the roof makes a dandy blockoff bezel by itself. Just fill it up with black RTV and bolt it back on.

Or, if you want to play with welder, just fill the holes and roll from there.

Been driving it about once every week or two. Had some weird idle issues turned out the battery needed a charge. Could have been my fault, the key comes out in acc position so I have to be mindful to make sure it's switched all the way off before pulling the key.

Installed new antenna, plus a Y plug and extra windshield antenna.
Installed bluetooth Pioneer headunit that my gf got me for last Xmas or Valentines?
Installed some pioneer speakers in dash, removed mismatched hack installed and nonfunctioning rear speakers, discovered gaping mounting holes (whole shelf is pretty much cut out)
Ran wiring for dash cam
Pulled carpet again, pressure washed, reinstalled (so mint now)
Got floormats from junkyard, pressure washed and installed
Whorehouse red sun visors
Reupholstered headliner, hint; it's wild, like my Saturn (this one was my choice can't blame my son)
Painted and reinstalled most interior trim
Installed wing, riceriffic!

Still bummed about that Lorinser exhaust I passed on but made up for it when I found a near new Apexi WS2 exhaust meant for an Eclipse GS-T for $80, seller threw in an Evo8 intercooler for another $30. Also picked up a GFB Respons BOV.

Fixed the fins with some tweezers and bought piping and this weekend I started to install per SF1's spoon feeding guide. Had to order some different sized adapters for my turbo and BOV so I'm waiting for parts at the moment.

Trying to unwrap my harness so I can extend my VAF and mount my intake else where but these two wires are tied into other plugs, unless I need to unwrap further along the firewall?

Crash damage and hackery discovered to be even more extensive than previously realized.

Also, removed the AC condenser and some lines, will do the Gavin belt mod and remove the AC compressor, looks like I need to relocate the battery, not sure why my set up is hitting the battery but oh well. 25' of 1/0 welding cable has been purchased, battery box and fuse, fuse holder, etc on it's way from Amazon.

Don't mind the brackets, this isn't even my final form.

Mounting was redone, not sure I can remove the hood latch support as this radiator support is mangled.

In addition I still need to;
Fix speedo cable, stopped working again last time I had the cluster out
Replace or remove heater core (almost set car on fire when I was installing stereo)
Figure out the vibration/rattling from front of engine (tight belts? front mount busted? that's the only one I haven't replaced)
Figure out why my fans don't kick on when they should (think it was a relay, found one with a loose connector and pretty sketch looking)
Replace rear seat locks (how?)
Alignment
Mount tires and rims
Buy exhaust from mandrelexhaustsystems Paint car white (gf got me paint guns for this Valentines, my compressor is still dead, may have access to booth)

Cool project! F2T all things! I applaud your patience to straighten all the fins on that ic.

Didn't even know it was possible to restore fins that well.

Thanks you two! First time doing it, watched a youtube video and was too lazy and cheap to drive to harbor freight for a fin comb. You get the feel for it after the first few, some of the fins were too messed up and had to be removed, but it's just the top layer and won't affect anything.

Throttle body adapter arrived, the 3.5 I had was too loose, a better clamp would have made it work but the 3.25 fits much better. Cleaned up the wiring some more, going to move my fuse box to the frame rail. Would like to install my fan controller in the fuse box so it looks better, will hit up JY this weekend and see if I can get a better condition relay, maybe won't need the fan controller. Have 2 slim fans en route from eBay as well as some other stuff.

Figured out how to get more slack on the VAF harness, some of those wires above plugged into a blank plate behind the strut towers so those are now free, just need to unwrap the harness from the firewall a bit and I should be good. Not sure if I can run a stock airbox or if I need an adapter and cone filter. Also pulled back sheathing on the harness that I nudged with the sawzall so I can fix them.

If I can find some time today I'll solder those up real quick and try to run the battery relocation cable.

Project is dragging on due to a few reasons, I work from home now and this car was to be my fun mpg/budget friendly beater and now it's turning into a fast fun (street) toy. I am currently working on the aesthetics and in addition to not knowing fiberglass my enthusiasm and motivation seem to be on the low side. Too many projects and I'm feeling overwhelmed. Going to power through. Excuse the Instagram pictures.

I completed the battery relocation but I'm not happy with it, specifically the safety shut off in the trunk and the positive cable to the ECU/Starter, will revisit and see how I can clean it up a bit more. Need to securely mount the fuse box as well.

Ebay fan installed, need to figure a better way to wire it up.

Intercooler, recirculation Go Fast Bits blow off valve, catch can and piping installed no beads on piping, will see how it holds up. Need a nipple welded in for the second catch can.

Stock airbox removed, running adapter and cheapie ebay cone filter.

Changed oil to Rotella and flushed out the coolant again.

I wanted Starion/Conquest wheels but the rears stuck out too much so I needed 4 front wheels, ended up with 10 wheels to cherry pick what I want, resold the rest and ended up with almost new tires and free wheels. Starion wheels can sell for good money!

Cleaned up, had a shop professionally fix the curb rash on a few, prepped and painted the wheels, tires are mounted and ready to go on the car once I finish the aesthetics.

Needed 3mm spacers to clear the calipers, bought hubcentric rings and extended lug nuts (m12x1.5);
MX6 oem front = 13.08mm Knurl; 42mm Length
86-91 RX7 DORMAN 610341 = 13.08mm Knurl; 52mm Length
MX6 oem rear = 12.90mm Knurl; 37.5mm Length
89-01 MPV DORMAN 610410 = 12.90mm Knurl; 46mm Length

Realized the timing belt and water pump are of unknown age and with how gnarly the coolant flushes have been coming out I will be placing and order and doing that in the near future.

Aesthetics-wise, I decided to go full retard and the vision went from ugly sleeper to rice-tastic voyage.

Finished the headliner, got some whorehouse red visors that are in better shape than what I had.

S13 Silvia conversion bumper found on craigslist for $30 had to extend and modify to work;

Did the initial extending of bumper and side skirts at the same time, as I progressed I got better at getting the fiberglass to do what I wanted.

The itchiness and sanding was tedious, and there was a style line that I wasn't sure how to tackle so that paralyzed me for awhile. Ended up being pretty simple using tape to get the line and transition looking good and only took me a few hours over 2 days.

Originally thought I could get away with just extending and minimal filler but my skills weren't up to par and the bumper is heavier than I'd like. Now the plan is to get the parts as good as I care to and then pull some molds.

S13 240sx sideskirts from pick your part for $30ish Had to extend and modify to work (still in progress.) Once I finish these, I will also pull a mold and then reshape the plug on the car. The design is ok but I have another in mind I might like more, plus it sits too low in it's current form.

Not bad for my first time, took way too long to get to this point though. Have a couple ideas for headlights as I'd really like HIDs or anything better than halogen behind a fresnel lense.

Rear bumper will get a custom designed apron/add-on (haven't started)

Evo carbon fiber wing $50 off craigslist. Had bought a 350z cf wing but it sat wrong so I resold it for what I got it for, originally wanted to find a Subaru STI wing but the Evo wing was priced right and minty condition.

Next steps;
It currently needs an alignment, insurance and smog, the only thing that won't smog is the catch can and maybe the bov.

Near future (knock on wood);
Need to buy an exhaust from mandrelbentexhaust, weld in the Apexi WS2 canister and tip I have, install the wheels, body work and paint. Have a few other aesthetic mods I'm not ready to unveil yet. Also want to lower the car, been looking for budget friendly options, missed on (super budget friendly) new MX6 specific ground controls.

Future;
I have a spare head and want to pick up a set of stiffer valve springs from Australia via eBay. Not sure if I want to tackle this myself or contact to OST to work his magic. Ebay manifold and turbo upgrade and chip are on the wishlist as well.

I like this way more than I thought I would...

When you work your way up to it, your car will look great with bigger box flares.

In reply to conesare2seconds:

+1 on the bigger box flares.