What skills do I need?
 

For the sake of putting something in this forum, I will ask a question about putting an LS(x) into a 2002 Miata.

What skills do I need to do this swap? I have some, and I probably have friends with the rest, I just wonder if there are some I am not thinking of.

I can turn a wrench. I've done all sorts of work on my current Miata, including a custom turbo build. I have never replaced an engine, but I've helped somebody remove one once. I can't weld, but I have a good friend who can, and is excited to help me with this project. I am good enough at electrical work that I have never had problems with my DIY Megasquirt. I have never worked on a fuel system in my life. I'm pretty new to sheet metal work so I am afraid of widening the transmission tunnel.

I don't have a lot of fabrication experience, and I have even less fabrication tools.

Will I be able to do a swap?

yes, aslong as you get the forward mount V8R or the bossfrog kit it will be quick and easy... as you do not need to cut anything other than the 2 engine bay notches. since you feel comfortable with wireing thats the only difficult part.... everything else will just be bolt in/out.

http://www.swaptastic.net

checkout that website it will help alot.

How about if I want the rear-mount kit? Is widening the trans tunnel something I can learn to do on the fly if I have help from people who know how to weld? I am pretty good with my hands, but sheet metal is something I haven't had a chance to learn yet.

The hardest part of welding it is trying to keep the car from catching on fire because of the seem sealer. GRIND the area before cutting it. When just using a wire wheel, it left a residue that made the bead look bad and not penetrate well enough.