I have an '88 nonturbo with 160k miles on it. Poor thing won't even start so along with other things I want to do, I want to start off right with a rebuild.

Anybody have any tips on particular problems I may run into, or any reputable places to get a rebuild kit from?

with 160k miles you are probably gonna have to replace the housings due to grooves and cracking. i know racing beat sells the rebuild kits. the only way to tell how bad your engine is to tear it down. i can't image it will look to good with that much mileage. if you dont' want to port your engine you can always get a mazda reman.....