[Simonas]

I've read much on this sight, but finally decided to join. My car in a 1980 Mazda 626. It has been sitting for 8 years or so, but the overall condition is reasonably good other than the paint finish. It has minimal rust, which is a lot of the reason for me taking it. That and the fact that it was given to me for the cost of transferring it to my father's name (insurance costs half as much that way).

My plans are to get the vehicle going as soon as possible, and it has to pass inspection before the middle of this year because of a new law that would unregister the vehicle and that would cost all kinds of money and hassle to get back.

So... my planned mods are as follows. Some will definitely get done as some fluids will be replaced anyway, and the head needs to be milled and the head gasket replaced. Other things like the passenger mirror delete and antenna delete would happen mainly because I don't want to hunt for replacements.

I'm copying my list of planned modifications from my car "Mazda 626" in the "garage":

Compression ratio raised from 8.6:1 to 10:1 as the head gasket must be replaced anyway.

Front air dam, fan possibly disabled.

Rear (and possibly front) wheel skirts.

Vacuum gauge (possibly).

Alternator "off" switch.

Mud flap removal.

Passenger mirror removal (broken right now, so why not remove it?).

Antenna delete (no radio, no need for antenna).

Possibly speaker delete for weight reduction.

Smooth wheel covers (probably coroplast, as pizza pans are hard to obtain).

Aerodynamic grill block (possibly hooked into air dam)

Kammback (length: to rear bumper)

Carburetor fuel solenoid kill switch.

Ignition timing adjusted.

Synthetic transmission and differential oil.

Increased tire pressure to max.

Differential ring and pinion changed from 3.909 to 3.636 ratio assuming that I can find one. I'd need to find one off a 6-speed English Miata or a 2-liter RWD 626.

Disk brake pad return springs (homemade, and won't be a hassle as I have to remove disks for machining anyway.)

And most important of all--further adjusting of the nut behind the wheel: EOC, P&G.

The vehicle will be used mainly for mixed driving, i.e. driving 10km (6mi) to town and running errands. Over here gas is expensive, and I like older cars because I can work on them myself. My speed would never exceed 70km/hr (44mph)other than on our "autobahn", where I am allowed to do 90 (56) until I get two years of driving status. I can find most major parts for the car on ebay and have them shipped as most people here don't even know there was a first generation Mazda 626. I've never seen one other than the one that is mine.

So...What I am looking for is the experts opinion on what I should do first and what would benefit me the most. Keep in mind that I am planning ahead a lot, so these mods probably won't start happening until sometime in the summer. I just thought it wise to think ahead somewhat as to what kind of opinions and options you all have to offer.

Thanks to all who help me out with this. I'll welcome criticism that has a good attitude behind it, any relevant ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance.

I've included a picture of a car similar to mine.