I'm helping a friend put an upgraded powertrain in a Bugeye Sprite he recently obtained as a roller. After discussing the goals and some options, it was decided to use an early 90's Mazda BP 1.8 liter DOHC mated to a Miata NB 5-speed. The engine came out of a '92 Protege.
Both of these were found reasonably close to us and the trimming began until it fit (just like several of you have been doing with MGB's). The engine position was settled and mounts were made. Then an exhaust system was created beginning with a 4 into 1 header that was split by the steering column. Since the shift lever ended up in ones armpit, a remote linkage was fabricated to a more comfortable location. The cooling system entails an aftermarket aluminum civic radiator, a 60's Mustang 6-cyl gooseneck and lots of hose bends coupled with aluminum tubing for the upper hose. One of the bends that I purchased based on a picture and the filter of 1.25 inch ID ended up being perfect for the lower hose.
Engine controls are going to be done by a used Electromotive TEC-S from E-bay. I wasn't able to find a used DFU coil pack to go with it. However, one of the reasons for selecting this engine is the stock dizzy driven off the back of the exhaust cam. I figured at a minimum, a Bosch dizzy could be adapted. After some digging, a system made by Pertronix was found that fits a Bosch 009 distributor with just the sensor in the abbreviated "cap" and a twin tower coil pack. A 60-2 trigger wheel was adapted to the crank pulley and a holder for the mag sensor was made.
The fun continues.
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! I always loved the bugeyes. That little Sprite is going to fly. 
