Sup guys, I'm an autocrosser that gave up on using my RSX and got a Miata.

Unfortunately it sounds/feels like a woodchipper.





Its been to 3 autocrosses and died on me after the 3rd.

 

Holy crap is the knock coming from the head like it sounds? Any smoke out the back? I assume the oil looks good?

I wouldn't think a poorly done time belt would make it sound like that, but that would be something I would check.

 

Timing belt and their work seems fine. Oil is there but somehow dirty very quickly.

Slight white smoke I've heard. Knocking honestly sounds like its coming from everywhere. Can't tell if its head or block

 

So you are sure that the cams are properly lined up and you aren't off a couple teeth? You may need a cheap scope to help you isolate the knock. Hopefully it's not a bad bearing or rod.

 

From what I've been finding it seems like bearing is the most likely possibility.

Here's my valve cover off. Smelled a little burnt. Noticeable discoloration on exhaust cam side but the cams themselves still feel smooth.

 

Start planning your rebuild or finding a junkyard engine. That one needs to come out.