Cracking on then, the first MX6 was selected for sacrifice to the car Gods and a brutal engine removal took place. I use the word brutal as my plans with the engine are simple. New wiring, new exhaust manifolds, new mounts. Wiring cut sawn through leaving plugs and usable lengths of wire, the exhaust seen off by the angry grinder and engine pretty much ripped out with the engine crane.
I have previously seen on various forums, there is a rumour the V6 is the same weight as the 1.8 MX5 engine and some bare weights that suggest it could even be lighter (now that would be impressive) however the increase in potential power (N/A then maybe with Forced Induction) completely outweigh (pun intended) any increase in weight. As you can see here, the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines side by side give a rough representation of what spacing I should be expecting when I finally get it fitted.
I have found that with 4 engine mounts, various cross bracing and bracketry, opting for just 3 mounts in the Zero may be somewhat optimistic! Will have to look into this come trial fitments and engine mount mock ups. Last thing I want is a record engine removal time as it ejects itself from the car! This led to a thorough investigation and having seen some V8 swaps with just 2 mounts as well, I feel a little more at ease with the idea of using two mounts. Needless to say the first few drives and months will be tender and constantly assessed to ensure no sudden failure is likely to occur.
Anyhow, the day had finally come where the Zero would need to be disassembled and prepared for it's transplant. Its had enough time getting to know the engine as they have been sat side by side for a while as a constant "I can't bring myself to do it" mood had settled. I had grown attached to the first MX5 having driven it for 3 months before breaking for the Zero, but this was much, much worse. Unfortunately, or more like, fortunately, my job situation changed again and leaving one job to start a new one I gave myself a week between to actually pull myself together to pull the Zero apart. It was hard taking those first bits off. Well, after the bonnet and nosecone as they'd been on and off more times than I care to remember, but still, the thought of making this car un-driveable for another few months was painstaking. Despite this, once started there was a 'no going back' attitude and this helped me push on. Anyway a picture paints a thousand words, so I'll let my GoPro video do the talking.
At this point with the MX6 stripped and the Zero now stripped back ready, the project is well and truly underway. Excitement is beginning to rise.........
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