Where do I begin?

[TitaniumTT]

CT is the same way with the 25 yr rule, I can't fucking wait. Especially considering the last emmisions "test" cost me a motor Anywho, you're still 5 years away from classic status. Are you expecting this to take you 5 years?

What I would do.
1) Put the car on the lift so you can work a little easier.
2) Pull motor
3) Pull Fenders/front bumper
4) Pull suspension/brakes/rear subframe, rear LSD, fuel tank.
5) Inspect EVERYTHING. make sure the diff isn't rotten on the inside. Make sure the brakes move freely, fuel lines aren't rotten, wires chewed, etc etc etc.
6) Replace EVERYTHING that needs it, but not just one piece. If one rear brake cali is frozen, I would do both. one rear shock is gone, do both. Hell I would look into some "sport" replacements. Tockico, Eibach, KYB etc etc etc.
7) Crack the shortblock open and see what your looking at in terms of what needs replacement. It'll be obvious. If you're not planning on doing it yourself I would be in touch with a few local rebuilders to see what's what. I say local becuase if you don't know, you can actually bring the engine to them. For example, personally, I would recommend Dave @ KDR or Ihor @ IRP. You're actually closer to Dave than I am so don't complain about the drive. Take the block to him, ask what it would cost for a rebuild. If you're to squeeze the most HP out of the car as possible, than some porting would be in order. However, you could need new plates, housings, rotors etc etc etc. if it's too much, you can pick the motor up, drive to the nearest mazda dealershipand drop it off as a core for a reman. Last I looked a 13B-REW shortblock was $4000. Potentially cheaper than the rebuild depending on whats needed.
8) Reassemble.
9) Keep kids away
10) Enjoy