APB on a Miata crankshaft-Will buy complete engine, if necessary

So, I tore into my 1997 M edition Miata 1.8. "build thread" here

I need a crank. Thanks to the advice of Mr Tanner, and Stefan, I have options:

1994-2005 Miata 1.8

1990-1994 Protoge LX

1991-1996 Escort GT

1991-1996 Tracer

1995-1997 Kia Sephia RS, LS, GS

I'm coming up with not much. One crank on ebay with a burned journal for $120, One good BP-ZE crank shipped from California for $450, a complete (94-97 Miata) engine from a spec Miata shop in Pennsylvania for $450+shipping, a few high mileage 94-97 Miata engines semi local for $777, and finally, A 2001 complete BP-ZE engine 143K with a dirty CAI for $1090 ten miles away.

I really don't mind buying a complete engine, but everything I find is so haggard it encourages my to ratchet up a notch, until I'm paying a grand for a crank of unknown condition, along with an engine wrapped around it. 

I know Michael has a Miata breaker near him, which is a pretty easy trip for me (I'm in East TN). Mind sharing that guy's #?

Does anyone else have a resource. I'm pretty surprised these are so hard to track down. Not a single hit for a crank on Car Part.com, and few engines.

Of course, I want a perfect crank for pennies on the dollar, but my research tells me these are becoming scarce, so I am very willing to be reasonable.

The offending crank:

Keyway's shot.

Pretty sure there's a 1.8 Miata in the yard here.  It'd be brutal to pull in the summer but two of us working shouldn't be too bad.  The whole engine would be $200.  Problem is wouldn't know the condition of the crank.

Also there's pitbul something on here that parts them out.  He's in Gainsville area.  PM me for his contact info.  There's metalman in Atlanta who parts them out.

Thanks, Stamps. I suppose I should have been a bit more clear.

I'm in a relatively high risk Corona situation, and trying to be mindful. I probably won't travel to Florida, but would pay shipping from a breaker. A yard forking a block or a crank into my truck would be an acceptable risk, but If pulling an engine, I'd insist on doing it alone.

I apologize if I'm being a bit too much "Princess and the Pea" on this one. 

I'll send a PM shortly on your guy.

Thanks! 

In reply to wheelsmithy (Joe-with-an-L) (Forum Supporter) :

Oh no I totally understand.  Hell without Covid I'd understand you not wanting to get swampass putting a Miata engine in July FL weather.  PM replied to.

If the rest of your current crank is in good shape it might be worth fixing.  A good crank shop can weld the keyway up and re-cut it.  

I texted sam the miata guy. He has a few.

I can't find your number to send you his. Dont wanna throw it out on al hores internet....

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) :

Thank You, Sir! Email sent.

I can check to see if there are any left at work. 

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Thanks, Man, but it sounds like Duster's guy has a few just a couple of hours away. A scant 3 hours and the brain trust has an answer.

Note if you will, I didn't say no.

The photograph of the crank may not adequately depict all of the damage that's making you want to replace the crank, but if it's the key way you're primarily concerned with, many similar or worse damaged key ways have been successfully repaired by a methodology and materials developed by Loctite specifically for that purpose.  The procedure is frequently discussed and well documented at Miata.net, and for the nominal cost and effort it's probably worth a shot.

Here's a link to get you started: https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=702633

And another link that describes the procedure: https://www.miata.net/garage/hsue/crank/loctite_1.htm

In reply to jimlowe :

Thank You for that. I am aware of such a fix, but unless I have no other way forward, I want to fix it to factory spec. Your input is appreciated, but this mill has 265K miles on it, and I figure needs some love to continue its journey, Cheers!

In reply to wheelsmithy (Joe-with-an-L) (Forum Supporter) :

It's my pleasure, and I completely understand.  I'll keep my eyes open for a crank in the Northern California area and pass on any leads I come across.

If you haven't joined your local "(geographic location) Miatas" Facebook group, that's the easiest place to find stuff like this. Tons of people have parts stashed away but don't go to the bother of listing them for sale anywhere, usually a WTB post in a group like that will lead to several options coming out of the woodwork. 

In reply to cmcgregor (Forum Supporter) :

I know that's the way of the future, but I had to ankle FB oh, about the '10 election, and despite their killing Craigslist, and most other forms of communication, haven't been enticed into making a return. That's another straw closer to the one that may eventually make this camel a paraplegic.

In reply to wheelsmithy (Joe-with-an-L) (Forum Supporter) :

Understood. I'm not exactly a fan of it either, just saying, that's where the action is these days. 

Try http://www.eaststreet.com/ It's Jim Drago's place. But call instead of using the web site. He's in Memphis with a ton of Miatas.

I dont FB either, but I do have a friend that parts Miatas in Birmingham Al, if you or anyone else needs anything get with me for his contact info, he ships too

If you  don't mind a complete engin swap here are two  sellers that will ship VVT NB2 engines $700- $1000 

https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-parts-sale-trade-5/3x-complete-vvt-engines-squaretops-glory-103355/

https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-parts-sale-trade-5/mazda-mx5-2001-2005-vvt-1-8-bare-engine-compression-tested-103408/

I've personally purchased a set of NB2 seats from the second seller and have been satisfied with the transaction. Super quick shipment too - was faster to get them from UK than from the East Coast. 

Wow, guys, thanks for all the responses.

I'd recommend, if anyone has guy (or gal) who is open for business, post their info. Might help someone later. 

I'm trying Dusterbd's guy, but may keep hunting if that doesn't work out.

Again, you all are the greatest. I see Many great options here.