Broken Engine MX5 NC 2.0L - All Help Appreciated!

Broken Engine MX5 NC 2.0L - All Help Appreciated!

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Discussion

Jor.Wil203

Original Poster:

1 posts

1 month

Friday 13th June
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Hi Everyone,

I have owned my NC 2.0L for about a year now and unfortunately, it has some pretty major engine issues, including some bottom end knocking. I am not sure how this has happened, as I check the oil regularly, but I am almost certain it is due to low oil levels which has caused the damage internally.

Fresh oil back in and up to level, still the same issue, so I am assuming possible crank bearings.

My question is, what would you guys do in this situation? Here are my options (let me know if you have better ones!)

1) Get the engine rebuilt (I am assuming at great expense)
2) Try and replace the crank bearings only
3) Replace the engine for something salvaged from another car
4) Call it a day and sell it as is

I am very handy DIY and do most of the work on my cars so I feel like I could perhaps swap the engine with some time, but even so, has anyone been in this situation before and if so, what did you do?

There are also other options, as I have seen people have put a VTEC in these cars. Does anyone know how feasible that is?

I appreciate all the help you can give me!
Let me know if you have any questions on anything that might help.

Cheers,
Jordan


callahan

936 posts

221 months

Friday 13th June
quotequote all
I'd be talking to these guys: https://performancelink.direct/engine-services/

Or Roddisons if you're up North.


Nickp82

3,585 posts

108 months

Friday 13th June
quotequote all
Number 3 if you know how to work a spanner and it’s not a rustbox

Wacky Racer

39,729 posts

262 months

Friday 13th June
quotequote all
How many miles has the car done, and what would it realistically be worth if the engine was OK?

markcoopers

676 posts

208 months

Monday 16th June
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Just replace the engine, either you or pay a trusted garage.

If you do most of your DIY and check the oil regularly, why are you convinced it is big end related?

snotrag

15,180 posts

226 months

Monday 16th June
quotequote all
1) Get the engine rebuilt (I am assuming at great expense)

Not neccasarily 'great' expense, wont be cheap but they are quite simple and parts are not too bad/


2) Try and replace the crank bearings only

As you are a competent DIY'er I would sway towards a partial rebuild yourself however - the reason they run low on oil is because the oil control rings onthe pistons stick, and they burn oil (till theres none left). So its a bit more involved than just dropping the sump and putting some new shells in like you would with a BMW. You will be stripping the engine, bearings, rings, new head gasket etc.


3) Replace the engine for something salvaged from another car

Dont bother, might be a bit quicker, wont cost you much less than the above given your DIY skills and and used engine is just as likely to grenade itself in the same way your current one has 2 weeks after you have fitted it (Unless you do all the same work your gonna have to do anyway).


4) Call it a day and sell it as is

Massive loss, worth very, very little as a non runner as they are so common. A shame if you know the rest of the car is good to.




There is a 5). And this is what I would do. (I was almost willing my old NC to die so I could justify it!)


Buy a 2.5 and fit that instead.