All the tagging really didn't do me much good. The wiring connections all use (fairly) unique connectors, which combined with the routing and positioning of those connectors makes reconnection rather easy. Electricals were done in a matter of 30 minutes. Connecting hardware, like charge piping, AC, fuel, cooling; plus plumbing in the Skunk2 took a little thoughtfulness and effort to get right.

Electrical connections done. Working on mechanicals.
The undercarriage was quite easy. I learned later that while the Kraken exhaust was easy to assemble, it's less easy to get positioned Just Right. I end up with repeated issues with the exhaust hitting different parts of the undercarriage. Regardless, for this moment, it's connected - and the PPF is reconnected to the trans.

3" exhaust looks huge. PPF reconnected.

Most of the hardware is connected, the only outlier is the cooling system. Intake side of the PCV is connected to a Moroso oil separator, the exhaust is VTA with a K&N filter, something I'll figure out later. I've finished the engine bay sensor wiring - AEM WBO, AEM MAP, GM/Continental e85, GlowShift Oil Pressure. I just need to clean it up. There's an EBC installed, but I end up going with a MBC for ease and come back to the EBC later.

Coming Together!

I also get the Boost Products (Kraken-supplied) intercooler installed. PJ will have a toothy grin.
[img alt="Intercooler installed.
"]https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.miataturbo.net-vbulletin/600x452/ic600_d93b367d51e9e2f107c7d3b0931c2ca187161123.jpg[/img]
Intercooler installed.

I did a lot of pre-planning, which made the in-car wiring a LOT easier. It still took me a couple hours to get everything connected to the MS3. You all know the joys of working under the dash of a Miata.

While I'm in there, I also install a lower clutch switch bypass. Sadly, I completely forget to connect the upper switch, even though it was part of my plan. I end up under here a month or so later when I want to get LC/FFS working.

Working on wiring - under the dash.

Everything was connected and appeared to be getting close to first start. We had a big summer vacation planned, so with limited time I rushed through a few final steps. Oil added, gear oil added to the trans. Basemap sent to the MS3.

First, I verified I was getting oil pressure. A long crank with no fuel, and the pressure gauge sprang to life. I did a detailed review, no oil leaks - at least nothing hitting the ground. I also saw RPM signal on the MS3.

Next, and despite an unsealed and empty cooling system, no cooling fans, and probably a few other less critical things incomplete, I gambled and tried to get first start. Ill advised, but don't judge; I'm confident no harm was done in the few seconds the car managed to run. A rather short crank, and the engine sprang to life. RPMs climbed, oil pressure climbed, then as the basemap ASE burned off it quickly went to oscillation and stalled. 5 seconds, tops, but it RAN.

My wife took a video of the first start. This is a frame from the video just before the engine started:

First Start.

...from here, a break for our summer vacation. First Start was a huge success, I left on a high note. First Drive would have to wait until I got back.