2003 engine (vvt) into a 1997 NA ?
 

I need a new engine as mine is FUBAR.I have the chance of a engine out of a 2003 MK2.5 (U.K) mx5.What problems would i encounter and how difficult a job would it be?.

spec:
1997 NA
BRP SC 100mm & 65 mm pulleys
EMB
Inovate LC-1 with XD 16 WB gauge
320 cc injectors.

why dont you just get another 1.8L engine from NA? its gonna be a guaranteed direct swap and you can keep your blower since it wont fit on 03 engine

You could get the motor and swap your NA head onto the NB long block. Depending on what is wrong with your current engine, if the head is ok it would be an easy swap. Then again, you don't really want to put a poor head on a good solid long block either. It is an option though.

Thanks for the reply guys :D.My current engine has low comp on number one cylinder,and uses oil.The reason i knacked it is i was at a track day,thought the car was set up o.k.But unknown to me at the time i had ping,and melted a tip of a spark plug.I changed the spark plug,got a mate who had his laptop with him at the time to pull some more timing,but the damage was done.

The engine i am asking about is a very low miles engine 28 k miles,so thats why i wanted to use it.I have a few options that i am going to explore,one is i am going to ask a mate of mine Phil Dixon of P5,he runs a successful MX5 tunning shop here in the U.K and see what he thinks i should do.

the 03 head flows much better than your 97 head. It has better cams too. what sucks about using it is figuring out how to run the cam timing. you can either say f-it and lock the intake cam in place with steel dowels, or you can get a Hydra Nemesis and control it. If you have the bankroll, the later is a fantastic option for performance.

Thanks for the input Ben :).