MX5 gearbox into standard chassis

[Ianr]

Hi - I am just fitting my 1.6 Mk 2 Mazda engine and box into my standard chassis and I find that the clutch slave clashes with U7 at the side of the tunnel. I have angled the engine slightly to the left which helps but still leaves the possibility of the clutch mechanism fouling. I have thought of welding some 25mm box onto U7 and cutting it away to avoid the problem.

How have others who have fitted the MX5 box got round this issue?