No idea about costs, but if the 2.5L is a significant power upgrade, then I imagine you would have to consider upgrading brake disks, pads, suspension etc. as well.
I sorted upgraded brakes as I did the Super 185 kit so more than enough stopping power 
It’s not a SIGNIFICANT power upgrade it’s just power in a lower rev range. Yes, overall, there is a power increase but the 2.5 install achieves more torque low down. Off the shelf it won’t rev as high as the 2.0 without the addition (and further cost) of cams and a good mapping. It’s very popular and it makes the MX-5 drive a little differently.
Just a little update for anyone that might come across this in the future.
It was bottom end failure.
Sold for spares and repairs. Gutted. Think I’ll buy an ND in the near future… Let’s hope I don’t mess that one up as well.
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Argh, sorry to hear this. I imagine a painful couple months and plenty of headaches!
Think I’m on the same path. Timing chain and tensioner made no difference so its full rebuild or part for spares & repairs for me too.
On a positive, at least you’re still considering an MX5 in the future. Think the NDs look great and I hear they’re up there with the best. Haven’t driven one yet though! Good luck!
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Due to bad planning I’ve ended up with a spare 2.0 engine, it’s a high miler but seems solid, if anyone wants a real cheapie… Found myself a 2.5 so I’m stabbing that in instead.
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How much you looking for your old engine and what part of the country are you in please?
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Yes. The two engines are mostly the same. I replaced the wonkey dipstick for a new one from the facelift engine as it’s much easier to read and what I found out is that the min and max marks on the stick are significantly higher than on the pre-facelift dipstick.
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