Originally posted by crxnfx
hey, here is a stupid question- what would it cost to throw in a manual? I don't know much about mazdas, but its a pain in the ass to go from automatic to manual, but only if its a hydro. Anyone, anyone (my best ben stein impersonation! 
)
That would be the smartest way to go. It might cost a little bit more than a nauto rebuild, unless you provide the transmission and can find one at a good price.
The 626 will certainly drive better w/ the manual. Also, problems are alot cheaper and easier to fix w/ a manual. If he's not against that, I would suggest doing the conversion rather than building the automatic.