Broken Engine MX5 NC 2.0L - All Help Appreciated!

[Jor.Wil203]

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]

I'd be talking to these guys: https://performancelink.direct/engine-services/

Or Roddisons if you're up North.

[Nickp82]

Number 3 if you know how to work a spanner and it’s not a rustbox

[Wacky Racer]

How many miles has the car done, and what would it realistically be worth if the engine was OK?