Looking for some info on the 1.6-1.8 engines

[bababoom]

Ok so im on the hunt for a MX5 as i want to put the engine and box into my MGB
What would be the best engine 1.6 v 1.8 v VVT model?

TIA

[Zed.]

bababoom said:

Ok so im on the hunt for a MX5 as i want to put the engine and box into my MGB
What would be the best engine 1.6 v 1.8 v VVT model?

TIA

thats 3 different power levels so 'best' is either availability or required power?

the vvt has more complicted wiring if intending to use standard ecu / injection?

if you're intending on competing then beware of the 1.8 as it's actually 1839cc whereas the 1.6 is 1598cc

something to consider is that the 1.8 is ~ 5/8" / 16mm longer than the 1.6, even though they look identical they are essentially different engines!

inlet manifolds are sorta engine specific, mk1 & mk2 1.6 are interchangable (same for the 1.6 exhaust manifold) but theres 2 different 1.8 cylinderhead manifold patterns & 3 different 1.8 inlet manifold designs but you can get adapter plates to swap newer manifolds onto the earlier 1.8 engine.

ancillary components are generally interchangable so a 1989 5 speed gearbox is interchangable with a 2005 6 speed (both share same clutch & propshaft splines)

theres more but this should confuse you enough

Rich.

[mattman]

Also there are different power levels of the 1.6

Original cars had 115bhp from the 1.6

but in 1996, the 1.6 power was reduced to 89bhp when the 1.8 was added to the line up

[GR1FF]

Depends what you're after...

There are at least 2 versions of the 1.6 (the power for UK models was reduced in 1994, not 1996) and three versions of the 1.8 - depending on year, and VVT. Plus the option of a 5- or 6- speed 'box. Then there's at least three diffs to choose from, if you're having one of them too.

My advice, if you're after a cost-effective option, would be to find someone breaking a Mk2 1.8 (1998 onwards) as a. they're the cheapest and b. they have the most power. But - the 1.8 is bigger/heavier, and slightly less revvy. Both 1.6 and 1.8 engines are easily tuneable too.

HTH

[Bertrum]

You’d be better off using the engine and gearbox from a 2.0 Mk3 as it’s a more common conversion.

[bababoom]

The engine and box will be going in a MX5 so i wont be using the diff.
Ive owned both mk1 1.6 and a mk2 1.8, I found the mk1 seemed to rev and pull better than the 1.8.
I dident even know there was a VVT model till this week so im a bit confused on the number of different out puts.

I originally planed on a 1.6 then found out the mk2 is a lower power model so then i thought if going for a 1.8 may as well go for a VVT
Then i just started doing my own head in thinking about it !