Alrighty, I've been trying to search for a comprehensive list showing what I'll need to do this on my 97 and have come up with diddly. That being said, the 5 speed is on its way out, low rev shifting is fine but it will not under any circumstances shift under high load, and the clutch slips a tad, but thats not too often. Regardless I'll probably throw a clutch in it as well, just for safe measure. Goal is for 300-400whp ish, I don't have a set number in mind honestly, will remain a pump gas car, but I want a trans I can romp on with the increased power and not have it grenade.

What I think I will need

6 speed, any info on which years are better? part numbers would be awesome as well!
Clutch kit, leaning towards the ACT Stage 2
Stainless Steel clutch line, just for security

I've also seen some threads about a sandwich plate needing to be drilled or trimmed, and only a few bolts on the starter can be used or something like that? I'd rather just get this discussion out of the way before attempting to tackle this myself and getting myself into any type of pickle. Once I get ready to do this I'll make sure to take a ton of pics and maybe it can be a sticky for new guys like myself that spent their whole lives working on FWD cars and never dropping a transmission out of a miata. Also any special tools or tricks to help get this apart would be awesome information to have. Thanks in advance guys.

Disclaimer: I do understand that with increased power, a weak link WILL be weeded out, whether the driveshaft, rear end, axles...so these are things I will have to think about beefing up in the future as well especially once I get grippier rubber out back. Just don't think I forgot about that stuff

 

Do transmission swap when you pull the motor for engine build, which you will need to do before getting anywhere close to your power goals.

 

I know I posted on here somewhere, but I can't find it. Here's a link to another forum I posted about putting a 6 speed in an NA: 6 speed into an NA

It's super easy, modify the sandwich plate and swap over some connectors. Find a NB starter if you can, they're a little over 3lbs lighter than the NA starter.

 

motor is already reinforced a bit, as is the fueling system

 

Thanks man, I appreciate that, I also see you're from Fort Myers, wife and I moved here in March