I remember seeing someone posting that they bolted the AWD subframe on top of the Mx-3 subframe because the Mx-3 one wasn't strong enough. Vague memory, so don't remember the exact details, but that is exactly what I remember.Josh wrote:No the AWD rear sub frame is not bolt it at all... The only one that is is a custom tubular rear frame that was being produced for a short time on club protege. Which does not increase the rail strength in any way. I had 3 rear ends from diff models and none were bolt in.
Interesting to know those details.Josh wrote:you also have to modify the front sub frame to even get the trans to sit where it needs to. Plus the sub frame is in the way and has to be modified to make way for the drive shaft. Also its a custom drive shaft is needed. It also takes so much room that you dont have room for your exhaust. so in all reality the tunnel needs to be taller and wider. I got around this cause I was in a hurry and ran it just below the shaft off to the side. but 2.5" was as big as I could go. Axles are custom as well. the AWD trans uses a different spline, so I had to use the AWD trans side stubs on MX3 axles as MX3 has a wider foot print, for proper alignment.
I would tend to agree, specifying a FWD rotary, which would pretty much fall in line with any non-conventional Mx3 swap. Miata and B-Series trans are incompatible (I've already looked) so the adapter plate would still have to be custom made, but still doable, but as typical, custom parts aren't cheap, especially when they need to be engineered from scratch. A RWD swap would be the most complex and costly of them all.Josh wrote:From all the research I have done and the swaps that I have done I can quite honestly say that without a doubt the AWD swap in an MX3 is far more complex than a FWD converted 13b would be. an adapter plate and a couple of motor mounts being the biggest obstacles is not that much. besides you can buy adapter plates for this from the miata. Either way there is plenty of fabrication involved.
Typically, if one has to ask if a swap is possible, they don't posess the means and/or ability to make it possible. Not being pestismistic, just being realistic in terms of of setting expectations. One way or another it's by no means impossible, but people tend to dream a bit too big. I don't want to squander those dreams, just bring them back down to reality.