Another long overdue update - making progress in fits and starts. This week had a banner milestone - I finally sold the 1983 GL 5.0L that I initially thought I was good to steal the driveline out of. Glad I didn't as the new couple that owns it really likes it. Now, one less barrier and time-sink between me and a V8 Miata.

Other significant progress:

 

Back in February I labeled all of the connections and removed everything to pull the original engine.

Original engine and harness labeled.

 

Back in February two of my buddies came over and we pulled everything - engine, trans, front and rear subframes.

Hitched up

Out it comes

Lift the engine and roll the car away.

 

I cut out the rear corners, made templates, and welded in steel covers. I also made a template, cut an oval out of steel, and welded a cover over the holes in the firewall where the air conditioning tubes would go. No more AC in this baby!

2-piece templates

Driver side

Passenger side

Driver welded in

Passenger welded in

Both sides welded & cover for air conditioning tubes

Air conditioning fire-wall cover template

 

After re-painting the area and thoroughly cleaning the transmission tunnel, it was time to address heat rejection. I had previously acquired Lizard Skin heat formula, and added in some additional glass beads for good measure (more is better, right?). This made it pretty paste-like (no surprise), so I applied it with a scraper and disposable brush. Not the best method to keep it attractive or uniform thickness, but functional. I went all the way down the sides and "roof" of the firewall.

Lizard skin with additional reinforcement.

Trans tunnel coated

Firewall coated

 

Then it was more paint, and Summit Racing-brand fiberglass-baked reflective covering. It was adhesive-backed but I also added a few rivets for good measure.
I also started working on the engine mounts on the V8-Roadsters tubular subframe. You will notice that the rubber engine mount on the driver side (sourced from an '70s Dodge truck) is much lower. I did that to remove interference with the steering shaft joint. Now I see why people move the engine to the passenger side.... We installed the subframe and lowered the engine in to figure everything out and take measurements. As you folks have found, a V8 fits!!! Pretty crazy.... That's pretty much how it looks now. Time to get crackin' again!

Firewall and tunnel reflective coated

Tubular subframe with SBF engine mounts

It fits!!!