Sounds like some of it's ponies had escaped the stable.
We build mx5 race cars at the uni and we have just fitted a MK2.5 in a MK1, original engine dynode at 113bhp, the new one dynode 148 at the wheels, admitedly it had had a bit of tinkering done to the inside but boy it bloddy well flys now for such a small car.
Arfon