No, one of the initial goals of the build was to leave the Alpine as intact as possible. As a result, the engine assembly had to be fashioned to fit the space instead of the car cut to accommodate the engine. Almost everything on the engine has either been built or modified to fit. Things are tight.
There are two major areas where the Alpine was modified. The tunnel had to be widened and the crossmember had to be notched to clear the oil pan. Ford (actually Mazda) opted to locate the oil pump at the front of the engine and off to the side of the block, creating a very wide oil pan.
The car is not made to the highest standard, it was built by me. I am the kind of guy who will spend hours making something work better, but only seconds to make it look good. It now has over 60,000 miles on the build. It is a very good driver and I enjoy sharing it with others. Anybody interested in driving it, just let me know. All I ask is that you give me your honest feedback as I am still interested in improving it in any way possible.
See you in Dayton.
Bill