Technically you can leave the engine very close to stock as the Exocet uses all the original wiring and sensors. However many builders will use the opportunity to refresh the engine as it's easily accessible, it makes servicing it even easier. As a minimum it's recommended to change the usual service items, timing belt, water pump, oil, spark plugs, and filters.

One word of caution before starting to strip an engine: make sure to look at parts prices. Some things (plugs, oil filters, water pumps, cambelt kits, oil pumps) are surprisingly affordable. Some seemingly simple things (e.g. cylinder head, inlet & exhaust manifold gaskets) are fiendishly expensive. Additionally exhaust studs do have a nasty habit of shearing off when you try to remove them which will be a whole world of unnecessary pain. Do some homework before stripping an engine just to make it pretty.

A smart lick of paint is a nice touch, though.

As with the engine, this is completely optional, however it's a good time to change the clutch if needed or for preventative maintenance. If you are currently working on the skate then the process is a lot easier than trying to replace the clutch while “in the car” unless you are fancy and have a lift, transmission jack etc. You may also want to change this out for an upgraded clutch if you are thinking of going for high power in the build. If you are aiming for a power build then it's also a really good time to change the flywheel if you are wanting a lightened version.

The MX5 filter is enormous and therefore we suggest you buy a cone type filter which will look and sound better, probably a slight performance boost too, or at least it will sound faster!

For the purpose of the IVA test it is easier to use the donor exhaust although it is not pretty. MEV sell a stainless steel rear silencer that looks good and is tuned to comply with noise requirements.

It is worth noting that while you can use your mx5 exhaust, the mid pipe section will be too long for the exocet and depending on the year, may be a shapes that fouls against the tunnel. You can cut and weld the existing midpipe to fit which would be fine for IVA purposes, or if you do not have access to a welder then you can cut any additional length from the mid pipe and join it to the back box with “flexible exhaust pipe” using clamps. This is IVA friendly. On most “skates” you will find that there is only one exhaust hanger for the back box on the rear subframe, and the standard exocet exhaust requires a hanger at each left and right sides. The most common way to do this is to cut an exhaust hanger off your old MX5 back box, and weld it onto a section of L shaped flat bar; drill a hole in the flat bar so you can bolt it up to the subframe where the fuel tank would mount.

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