[Stu]

The most powerful 1.8 non VVC is 135bhp. The VVC is 160 out of the box and easily made up to over 170 without changing the ECU or fitting throttle bodies.

You can run either engine on throttle bodies with an Emerald ECU. So no difference there.

The VVC head has larger valves etc so to make decent power you will need the VVC head regardless.

 

[Stu]

MG ZR 160, MG TF 160 or MG F Trophy

One of those 3 really for the 160 engine.

Rover 200 Vi, Rover Coupe VVC, MGF VVC or Rover 25 GTi for the 145 version.

 

[Stu]

Its not difficult to get the 145 engine up to 160.

As Chris sys a lot is to do with the induction and exhaust. Both of which you will be doing custom. The 160 has a 52mm throttle body, a mems3 ecu and a slightly different set of pistons and valves.

The Vi will have the stronger double tang con rods though.

 

[Stu]

As long as you have the original ECU AND the 5AS alarm unit and fobs then you will be able to get it all working together.

Hacking the loom apart to get it to fit the new chassis may be fun though.

 

[Stu]

Better to have it than not though.

If you get a 98 Vi as the donor it is a CAT2 rated immobiliser.

 

[Stu]

Sounds good. Keep us up to date with the progress.

You need to start its own thread and keep it up to date with piccies etc.

Would be great to see.

Good luck

 

[Stu]

No need to ditch the VVC mechs anymore.

Far more power can be generated with than without thanks to the likes of DTA and Emerald ECU's that can control the VVC mechs.

Very old hat to even consider ditching them these days.