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Getting Started

Consider the Negatives:

  • Starting this project we were uncertain of a number of things, including if it would even work.

  • Less dramatic, we were not sure if we could use the Spitfire speedometer as the output on the Miata transmission was right at a very narrow part of the frame and cutting a hole and welding a tube in would be more work than we wanted.  I've always wanted new, modern gauges and given how inexpensive this swap would be I decided that would be the solution.

  • Reading about Electronic Fuel Pumps generated some concern about the noise level.  They all seem to be reviewed as "loud".  Mine is very loud, but I will report back later how my solution works out.

  • I've always hated doing "irreversible" things to cars, but truly just about anything is reversible so long as parts are available and one has a welder.

  • Checked insurance policy for any issues there.

  • Checked Provincial Licencing and Emmission considerations.

Research: There is much to read and ponder...

  • I have included some links to a number of swaps I found interesting including Dan Patrick's and other sites that may be of use.

  • Obtaining Factory Shop Manuals for both the Spitfire and the donor car was imperative; I'm just not smart enough without them.

  • Ambition, time, location, tools, and ability are certainly a must.  One of the biggest things I've seen on these builds, is that they get started but frequently we never see a finished project.

Get a Donor Car:

  • We certainly could have done without, but it was so nice to pull fuel lines, filters, fuse panels, etc off the donor after seeing how they were originally set up.

  • Donors can be pretty inexpensive if you find a rusty example or perhaps one that has been in a collision.  I paid $1000.

  • A few things that I was hoping for, but did not make a priority were Cruise Control and Air Conditioning, both of which I thought would be quite fun to attempt to fit later.  Unfortunately my Donor came with neither.

Getting Started:

  • We managed to do upwards of 10 Ins and Outs with the Engine & Transmission.  The plan was to leave the Bonnet installed to ensure clearances.  That worked out great.

  • Draining Fluids and Removing Engine accessories and Transmission Shifter is a good idea, and of course, as my brother will attest...

  • I should have cleaned the engine first.

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