On some of the websites I've found, most have been able to use the original crossbrace as a rear transmission mount. However, I hope to move the engine and transmission back a little further, so I added another crossbrace and cut out the old center section.

Apparently, someone had taken a large hammer and chisel to the transmission tunnel when they had changed the clutch. Since I had to enlarge the firewall to accept the RX-7 transmission, I cut the tunnel about halfway back.

After getting the white car home, I changed the oil, drained the gas and inspected the oil injection pump. I'd read about an inexpensive ignition modification, so I decided to try it before the engine was moved to the MG. It seems to make the car start and idle better, but I discovered the water seals were seeping. So much for the rebuild! Anyway, I'll use the motor for mock-up until I open it up.

After unsuccessfully trying to buy several local RX-7S, I found a car in northwest Washington. A friend of mine had told me earlier that he might be able to arrange transportation through the company he works for (golf course management), but it might be four to six weeks to get the car to Fresno. Unfortunately, his contact in Seattle wasn't available. I was willing to forget about the car due to the cost of fuel and the time involved to go get a car I hadn't seen (supposedly a rebuilt engine with a 45 DCOE and custom header), but my friend was adamant about getting it. Sooo, we left Friday afternoon with a trailer, got to the Portland area around 4 a.m. and crashed at a rest stop for a couple of hours. After a few hours of driving, I called the car owner to confirm the address and directions to the house and was assured that we would make it to their house by noon. Apparently, it's really easy to get lost and lose two hours on the base. After inspecting the car, we decided that the owner was clueless. (Plugs were wired wrong, and the custom header was actually the intake manifold), but I bought it anyway. After much caffeine and a very slow drive due to trailer balance, we eventually got home.

After browsing through the Miata and RX-7 forums, I decided to use the second gen Miata suspension and differential. Apparently, the 94 and later have a similar size diff as the 1st gen RX-7. After looking for several months for parts I could afford, I found Chuck's ad in the Stockton area craigslist. After talking to Chuck for about an hour, he volunteered to deliver them to Fresno on his way to L.A. on a business trip. Thanks Chuck!

I wasn't sure about starting another automotive project (after building and racing a few cars 30 years ago), but I saw an opportunity to expose my sons to a hands-on project. I have several friends who have autocrossed midgets and sprites, so when I found this car, I bought it the same day. The car was a roller, but I had already planned on a motor conversion. After much research, I finally started. The MG and Mazda forums have been invaluable! My friends and I have tried to keep a photo journal for the high points of the build and some of the failures, so time to get started.