MX5 (mk3) on it's death bed (suspected big end gone)

[mattk89]

Hi,

On the weekend my mx5 developed an unpleasant knocking noise on the way back from a charity golf day. After the hassle of RAC incompetence and two tow trucks later I finally made it back home. With work being as it is I haven't had a chance to get it to a garage but research of other people's experiences seem to strongly indicate it's the dreaded big end gone. It sounds like a bag of spanners under the bonnet, much like this poor fella's. I think it was probably from low oil level but I hadn't had a warning light and last top up was around 3 months prior so blindly assumed I was ok (possibly could be a leak?)

I'm not entirely sure what the best option going forward is. I think whatever happens I'll get rid of the car and get something boring until I have money again, but is it worth replacing the engine as a whole and selling or selling it as a non-runner (if anyone wants such a car)?

Bit of a bummer and knock to the finances but life goes on.

[hobobaggins]

What year is it? If it's not worth a lot you'd be better off getting shot of it as it is. It will take a fair bit of money to do it properly but it's worth ringing a few specialists and just getting a guide price.

[mattk89]

I may do that. It's currently sat out on the street in front of my flat. I wonder if it's worth more in parts than it is as a whole? (not that I could harvest them).

It's an 07 reg 2L 'option pack' edition

[unclemark123]

Or you could sell it to me for a 2.5 conversion

[SmilerFTM]

Engines can be gotten hold of for around 13/1500. If you live up north then get in touch with AK Automotive if not far from Cheshire get in touch with Blink and if further south then you could always try BBR. There are many others as well you could try. I wouldn't get rid just yet, if you like spending cash its an excuse to open it up and put forged bits in including oversize pistons with a head skim and port polish as well. Alternatively as someone said get a 2.5l conversion, Roddisons do a one which I'm sure will sound tempting

[SmilerFTM]

Also, there isn't a warning light for the oil. You have no way of knowing if you are low on the stuff except for regularly checking the dipstick. Many people have been screwed by this

[Bertrum]

You Can buy a new crate engine from Raceline for £2750 ish. I think MX5 City sell recon engines not sure how much they are. will take yours as an exchange.

Although with the likely value of the car it probably isn't worth it.

Rebuild will be £2500 easy by the time you have replaced rings/re-hone, grind the crank, big end and probably main bearings then all new gaskets.

Removal and installation is about 8 hours work and a faf, (i've done it 3 times) so add that to the rebuild cost.

An MX5 may want it if the shell is good.....would only give about £2500 for it complete though.

You would make more stripping it yourself.

I would take it but my missus would kill me.

[mattk89]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. TBH the 2.5 swap is looking very tempting, I've emailed Scuzzle enquiring about it but will give them a bell if I don't hear anything back soon. I don't have any idea of the costs of engine + labour (far too complicated for me to do it). I'm based in London and it looks like most of the tuners/MX5 guys are way oop north which is a bugger with a dead car. The MX5 City reconditioned engine is another good shout, but again they're at the other end of the M1 and I want to try and avoid going too far.

[Bertrum]

Skuzzle are good guys and not far from me.

All in for a brand new engine it will be £4k fitted give or take

current engine repair will be about same.

Recon unit will be about £3k fitted.

A 2.5, god knows depends where the engine comes from and what can be used as far as exhaust, management, intake etc......Could be £6k.

Its all the little bits that add up.

[roddo]

We will fit you a 2nd hand engine with a months warranty for £2000 all in, alternatively you can have anything you want such as a built 2.5 like the ones we have just done @225bhp

Call us @Roddisons for details