Thanks for all the comments!
The color itself is "Winning Blue Mica". It is new to this year (2004) on the Mazda 3 sports and RX8s. The pictures do not do the color justice. It is truly an amazing blue. As far as a tranny swap, I think I am going to wait until I do a motorswap and do it all at once. Probably this fall while it is parked again. I do have a lip on there. Only the factory one though. I had it painted body color along with the sideskirts.

There is one, somewhat unique, body mod that I had done. I was wondering if anyone would notice it. I got rid of the front license plate holes, the antenna, washer nozzles, trunk keyhole... anyone notice the other peice gone?! (If ya get it, I will give ya a cookie... and post a pic.)