I was originally looking for a mk1 pre 94 but there is a nice (with MOT) mk2 98 localish to me going for a sensible price. Apart from stiffer emissions test are there any issues using a MK2 doner?
Thanks

I used a early 1995 mk1 1.6 and didn’t need a cat for the IVA, that would be the only significant difference between an early MK2. A mk2.5 1.8 you'll get better LSD's and an updated (stronger and smoother gear selection) 5 speed gearbox or a 6 speed if you lucky, the down side the vvti is a pain to manage with an aftermarket ecu but saying that its been done plenty of times

I used a 99 Mk 2 1.6. I used the standard ecu and wiring harness (cut down of course). I then used an earler Eunos 4 into 1 manifold as the standard Mk 2 will not adapt. I then used a universal stainless exhaust with a weld in Cat and raided a local exhaust fitters scrap bin for pipe with bends and straights and made up the pipe work to join it all together and wrapped all the pipework up to the silencer. Worked fine with just 94db at IVA and the wrap reduced passenger compartment tempreatures as well as giving some protection to shins from the high temperatures at the cat,
If I were to build another I would do the same but would consider the 1.8 engined car although the 1.6 worked fine

I built mine using a 1999 mk2 1.8 non-VVT donor. I used the mx5 loom and ecu, exhaust was made by modifying the standard mx5 downpipe to make it side exit then welded a V-band flange onto it. I bought a universal Catalytic converter off ebay and welded flanges to that and then a stainless Pipe with a kink in it and a stainless silencer. Passed IVA emissions no problem after the cat had burned its protective coating off the inside.

If going for a stand alone ECU an ME221 will run an MX5 vvt ( Mk 2.5 ) engine with an off the shelf calibration from Motor Sport Electronics. Widely used in the MX5 world - including me!

Thanks all.
Mk2 (2000) now sat on my drive ready to strip.