As a VI with my own IO, I can confirm this is absolutely 100% true.
I've also heard that you can't have them certified with OE turbos now too, so guess you've got no real option.
Well it's partially because FDs are so well supported by the aftermarket, there are at least 15 variants of any type of bolt on you can think of, so it's ridiculously easy to buy for.
Kit looks like an early Mazdaspeed kit, with a Jun bonnet?
Late to the party, but I now run my own little after hours workshop in Upper Hutt, do WOF's and am less aggressive toward old cars...
Also interesting you had issues there - I've known the owner for ages, he's usually pretty chill
Bloody rotary owners, always selling shady crap haha. I guess lots of that can be put down to peoples skill level - what they think is ok often turns out to be subpar at best.
The torch section is a bunch bigger than the factory flare, so I think it's pushing it outward a bit? I did move it for the pic though so could just be that.
I do have an OE flare if you're feeling brave!
If its auto, it might be a dick to line up the torque converter when you reinstall it (unless you're taking the box out after?).
If you've got big axle stands, they'll make your life way easier than ramps!
Nah owned it well before the days of cheap digital cameras, let alone cell phones, but honestly nearly identical exterior-wise. From super vague memory it had conventional door mounted mirrors though.