Can anyone please give advice on whether to re-build my engine or to replace it with a used unit, the big ends have now given up and it has suffered from a top end rattle, ( guessing lifter prob) for a while what would be the best route to go? not in a hurry to get it back on the road as yet, also what should I expect to pay for crank re-grind, bearings rebuild etc? I will be doing the re-build myself to save on costs, any help is appreciated.

My advice would be a rebuild if you can do it yourself. My engine packed up over a year ago and I sourced a low mileage (45K) good condition lump to save on costs. 1000 miles later and the bottom end has gone leaving me in the same situation, a couple of grand lighter and without my car again for the summer.

If you rebuild you could go for stronger forged pistons (Smithy sells these for £440)then alow maybe another £600-700 for main rod bearings, gaskets, cam belt and getting the head and block skimmed etc. A lot of people change the oil and water pump when they do this too.

Thanks for your comments Glen, its the unknown factor of buying used that is making me consider re building my own unit

Mate I would rebuild, you don't need to go mad either, if you do your homework you can make a very nice clean revving engine without going the normal route of maxing everthing out and thinking thats best.

Thanks for your comments Glen, its the unknown factor of buying used that is making me consider re building my own unit

I know mate and at the end of the day they are still 15 odd years old no matter how many miles they've done. If you've got the knowledge and expertise to do it yourself then I'd go for it ;)