[The R8 Man]

My 214 is no spring chicken, even with the best will in the world I'll be happy to see 200,000 miles from the original engine. Would a later 1600 or 1800 K series engine make a real alternative as far as replacement goes, I know the R8 was avaliable in 1600 form but that was using the Honda engine. What I'm after is a straight swap, bolting up to an existing R8 1.4 gearbox though if items like back plates/fly wheels need changing what should I need? I imagine I could do this with the 1600 easier than the 1800?

[Stu]

1600 would be the easier option.

[matthewsemple]

I know the R8 was avaliable in 1600 form but that was using the Honda engine.

The K-Series 1.6 made it into the last of the 200 Coupes.

[Stu]

As did the 1.8, except it was in VVC format.

Non VVC is an easier fit though.

[The R8 Man]

Could I use a 1.4K gearbox straight onto a 1.6K? I guess if I just had the block then I could rebuild it using a 1.4 SPI head and just drop it straight in?

[Stu]

Yes you could.

Much of the 1.4 engine is the same as the 1.6. The whole bottom end to start with. The 1.6 is a 1.4 with a larger bore really.

[The R8 Man]

That sounds perfect, a new engine, a bit more hp and torque as well. Not that I don't dislike the power too much at the moment, but the R8 is not a light car and a little extra would really help, especially on the Motorways.
I take it the flywheel is the same between the 1.6 and the 1.4 as well? Also would a MPI head accept the manifolding for the SPI system, my car is used for work you see so I want a minimum amount of fuss to fit a new engine. 8)

[E_T_V]

I'd fit the MPI if you could, perhaps take the engine box and loom from a donor car and drop the lot in. The SPI isn't the most reliable system in the world nor the most powerful

Just a thought anyway.