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Well.... I guess it is time I started to post pictures of my build so I can get some feedback if you guys see me headed in the wrong direction on something. I've had this build on my mind for a few years and finally got the time to start it. I bought a '94 miata as the donor at least 2 years ago and it has been setting in my garage waiting for the big day.[attachment=0]006.jpg

Looks like you're off to a good start. What kind of chassis are you building?

Chassis will be 2" wider, 4" longer and 1" higher than book. I'm kind of designing it as I go. I will also be using the Miata PPF.

Forgot to drain the transmission fluid so I had to grab a latex glove. BTW....it busted shortly after that. Thank goodness my floor is epoxy coated.

I agree with your welding technique completely. If you can weld out sub assemblies and keep them straight you wont lock as much stress into the chassis. It also allows you to keep every section square as you go along.
Good luck with the build. Keep the log detailed and we will keep tuned in.

Starting to look like something but a long way to go. Amazing how much junk you end up with on the table. Everyone has to put the nose on as soon as they can.

Before I go too far, I better see where the motor will set. Looks like I am going to have to cut some tubes to set the motor back as far as I can.

Your making some good progress. Keep it up!

Is that a Haynes nose? Where did you score it?

Haynes nose came from Kinetics

Motor mounts turned out pretty good. I made an installation templete from the Miata front subframe to make sure the mounts were in the proper alignment since they are not exactly perpendicular to the centerline axis of the motor. I also put slots in both mounts to aid in the engine installation.

Of course. I forgot Jack also has the Haynes stuff.

Thanks.

Had a difficult time installing the engine due to interference with the "Q" tube. Had to remove one motor mount from the engine block and then reinstall it after moving the engine in place...not something I can live with. Solution will be to cut tube "Q" so it clears the bellhousing. Of course I will need to reinforce it by installing an additional tube with a setback.

Are you going to use the rear subframe also or just the PPF? I am interested in your progress, I am using a Miata and will be starting my build in the next few months.

See ya on the road

I will not be using the rear subframe. It would save some time but I prefer to develop the rear section design myself. There is a lot of different designs out there and I have a ton of pictures to use as a guide. However, right now my design is different.

Developing the tunnel design revealed the PPF needed some extra clearance.