Just a warning to those doing a auto to manual swap. If you decide to weld in the manual mounts have a fire extinguisher handy. I decided to take the quick way out and I did not remove my carpet. Well, I took it slow and only tac welded spots to spead the heat out but that wasn't enough. While still under the car I started seeing smoke coming through the shifter hole. I popped up to take a look and to my horrer, I see the cabin completly filled with smoke. I yanked open the door and started swatting the flames with a welding glove. It does no good as the melting plastic gets all over. I grabbed the fire extinguiser I had placed on the floor in case this happened and put it out.
Carpet- ruined
Dashboard- runied
Wiring under the dash- ruined

My seats were saved but not my sanity. I have been working on my 7 nonstop to get it ready by spring and now this. I think I am going to go to my mazda dealer, ask to test drive an Rx8 and just beat the crap out of it.

Well guys, I know I am an idoit for not removing the carpet but go ahead, flame me.

Brian

 

at least you got it out!
an old friend of mine once did this at a shop he was running.
he was renting the place (the building) without insurance and did this same exact thing!
he burnt the place down.

 

lol at schruted it. sucks about the car, shouldnt be too hard to fix really as long as you find a new dash and wiring harness.