Brain, I did get the manual and I don't think I'll have any problem doing any of the work required for the job.
I really just want to replace the HG and get the car back on the road. I can tell that there is some carbon buildup on the piston head just by looking down the spark plug hole... so some scotch-brite and WHAT kind of fluid?
And again, can I just keep my low-mileage timing belt or is there something in the initial install of one that makes it unwise to reinstall if you ever take it out?

Joe, thanks to the link to those parts... hopefully all I need is the HG. I'm still on the originial exhaust mani gasket after several installs and hopefully I won't have to remove the intake mani. The cam seals were replaced with the water pump when it was done, so no worries there.

Thanks for all the info in this thread... it's making this whole thing a piece of cake!

If the belt hasn't been contaminated with coolant or oil and if it has no physical defects, then it's safe to re-use. I only recommend that as you think this motor won't be around for too much longer.

What about the other parts--tensioner, guide, seals, and water pump? Did you replace them when you did the tb?

copper spray the gaskets before you put them on for a little extra peice of mind. i copper spray any new gasket before i put them on and i have never had a problem with leaks

I used Sea Foam and a wire bristle brush to clean the pistons. They looked like new when done. If the TB is newish, don't worry with it. I just removed mine from the cam gears and let it hang until I reinstalled the head.

The copper spray is not needed on a OE Mazda HG. It has a rubber laminated coating that will promote sealing. I wouldn't want to jeopardize that with the copper spray.