Some of the MX5 parts specialists need to get their act together in terms of parts supply in the UK. Its very poor compared to the US, yet the UK is one of the biggest markets for MX5s. Not sure how its come about that we are so dependent on just a few suppliers. Whether it was to do with how Mazda tried to shut the aftermarket trade down years back, I’m not sure.
The solution to an oil pump failure must surely be better than fitting a second hand engine of dubious authenticity (ie. breakers palming off 90hp and 105hp engines as something else). The pumps are available, but the trade is not taking up the challenge it seems. ILM prices are likely to shoot up, so there is an opportunity here.
And fitting a new (old) engine isn’t the solution either to an urgent requirement. If in that position, I think I’d rather take a chance with our cousins across the water than to trust some of the more dubious used parts suppliers out there.
FWIW, Rockauto can have an ITM Oil Pump #0571009 delivered to a UK address for £91, all in (vat, duty, delivery) by the 27th. Fedex are charging a pretty reasonably £25 for express delivery. Cross referencing ITM’s catalogue indicates this is for a 1989 FWD application, so the bung will be required, as it will be required for a genuine Mazda part. I suspect if MX5parts did happen to have an oil pump in stock, ordering now means they won’t dispatch it until the 25th, possibly you might get it 26th , but more likely 27th/28th. Trying to get to a breakers on a saturday morning will have mixed results.