New MX3 owner with ???

[kykartracer]

Hello,
I just bought my first MX3, 1993 1.8 5 speed, 152,000 Miles. Picked it up yesterday for $800. Today I replaced the rear brakes and rotors, and removed all the wiring for stero, neon lights, fog lights and other junk. Im gonna put on a new set of tires this week, replace the belts, oil change, coolant flush and replace the leaking valve cover gaskets. Im new to this car and was wondering what problems are common for these cars, what can I expect/look forward to ??? The only Mazdas Ive owned have been the B series pickups, which are bullet proof. Just wanting to see what ive got my self into with this new car. I dont want to turn it into a 250 hp race car, just want a good dependable sporty little car. Thanks in advance for any input any one has to give. Great site you have here.
Thanks
Kartracer

[Ryan]

#1 concern is distributor. If your car studders at certain RPM, doesn't restart when hot, dies randomly, or doesn't start at all, and you get CEL #2, thats the signs...

Mazdas in this gen are leaky in general. Expect it all to be caked under there.

Non interference engine, so its all good there...

Rust!

EGR valve is a b---- sometimes.

Vacuum leaks are common. Car idles like crap/idle hunts/bounces.

[NateBaden]

one other thing to look out for, not sure if its too common just a thing i experienced so far

the cam angle sensor may be one issue for you, or maybe i am the one with bad luck
hopefully you dont have this problem

[Ryan]

Cam angle sensor is in the distributor, and is CEL code #2.

If you do a waterpump or ball joint job, make sure you get the correct pilot diameter. 32 or 16mm for W/P, don't rememer ball joint numbers.

[kykartracer]

Thanks guys.
Cam angle? Is that the same as cam position sensor? So the Dist. is a given prob? I saw some thing about a HEI Swap or some thing like that, I'll search/read up on it and may just go ahead and get that out of the way. Id like to drive it for a month or so and make sure all is ok and then take a trip to Florida in it some time this fall. I really like this little car. Thanks agian, lookin forward to spending some time here learning about this new platform!!!
Thanks
Kartracer

[Ryan]

Yeah, HEI is a good option. there should be lots of links in the FAQ's.