Interchangeability 1.6 engine.

[Ginge R]

Can I fit a Mk2 engine into a Mk1? If so, with any difficulties?

Cheers.

[Beati Dogu]

You can, but you'd need things like the ECU and maybe the wiring loom as well, or it may not run right (or at least not to its full potential). Either that or use a 3rd party ECU to enable things like Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on a Mk 2.5 engine.

https://motorsport-electronics.co.uk/

There will be threads about this sort of thing on more dedicated forums like MX5Nutz.

[Boobonman]

You physically could, but far more trouble than it's worth. Cost you more than the cost of the engine in extra bits required, and why would you want to? Mk2 1.6 engines are detuned/strangled and feel flat as a witches tit compared to a mk1 1.6 lump.

Edit- misread the OP, obviously a mk2 1.8 makes more power but still not worth doing IMO

Edited by Boobonman on Friday 10th June 21:07