Serious turbo engine damage – recommendations on purchasing rebuilt motor or forged
 

My son did not see the leakage of coolant and ran his Miata until overheating in engine failure. Mechanic has confirmed super low-pressure of cylinders. So at the minimum we need the cylinder block on up redone. I'm seeking advice on sources to purchase remanufactured BP-4W. I'd also be interested in the ease of DIY forged pistons and rods etc. or or a rebuild shop that could provide this ready to go.

Thanks in advance. I'm sure others have had to make these decisions and would appreciate your advice.

Kevin

It depends on your mechanical aptitude. How good are you with wrenching on your own engine? How comfortable would you be if you went through all of the cost and effort to do your own rebuild and it all go horribly wrong? Doing a forged bottom end is not particularly difficult, it just requires patience, precision and the right tools. If the engine was overheated, then you're better off having a shop check for warpage of the head and any distortion in the cylinders (and make any necessary corrections). Not knowing where you are makes it difficult for anyone to suggest a source for a block (long, or short) or a shop that can help you sort your existing engine. If it was me (and it has been, in the past) I would search for a running engine from a local salvage yard, or if there's a local Miata group where someone has a motor for sale.

The first time I rebuilt my engine I was scared shitless that I would screw up something so I took my time, read everything I could about the process and checked everything three times. In the end, it worked and I was ecstatic!