I have heard that the V6 from a Mondeo, Probe etc is a Mazda bolt pattern and should fit straight onto an MX 5 gearbox. Anyone know for sure is this is correct?

The mondeo v6 is different to the probe/mx-6 v6, I think clairetoo has the mx6/probe one hooked up to a mx5 box, might be wrong though!
(MX6 Engine is my fave cheap v6)

[Edited on 10-3-11 by flibble]

IIRC ClairToo has the v6 from the MX3, which is a totally different kettle of fish.

So, you might still be in luck on the MX6 V6/MX5 Gearbo yet...

So it's the MX6/Probe V6 that fits. I was just wondering if it was true. Does anyone know how hard/easy it is? May get one for my MX 5 box that I just happen to have laying around and see if I can squeeze it in my dutton.

Clair is the expert on these.

As far as I know, the problem is the MX5 has the starter on the engine side and the Probe and MX3 have the starter on the gearbox. So mate the MX3/Probe engine to an MX5 'box and there's nowhere for the starter to fit. Claire gets around this with a sandwich/adapter plate between the two.... Then she fits 6 Triunph throttle bodies

Take care you get the right box.

I only say this as I know that the only box compatible with the Mazda designed Duratec is the most recent model 6-speed gearbox, not the 'box that's been in the MX5 for years... and it's not cheap!

I have the Mx6 V6 in my car at the moment - it is externally identical to the Mx3 lump . I have it hooked up to
an Mx5 box , using an adapter plate as said as not a single bolt lines up an there is nowhere for the starter to go !
I have a spare adapter kit here if you want one.....

I dont know of any V6 that shares a bolt pattern with a 4-pot of the same manufacturer/model. So unless your V6 of choice already has a RWD gearbox available, chances are you're into adaptor plate territory .