Is It Possible To Fit a 1.8VVC Engine into 120bhp MgZR 2003

[RHCC]

Ive got A big problem with my engine in my zr and have been advised to get a new engine...would it be possible to put same year engine...but vvc instead...having more power..hopefully. Can this be done correctly? Cheers

[shaun442k]

You can, but...
It will fit in there(there already is a ZR 160), but you will need new ECU, wiring loom etc.

[RHCC]

Thanks for the Response shaun..I was going to do it.. if there weren't other st involved like the ecu and wiring..thought it wouldnt be as simple to just plonk it in. Cheers anyway...

[MGSteve]

As Shaun syas, unfotunetly the VVC engine isnt 'plug and play'.
However the TF 135BHP engine is, as its basically a 120 with different cams. Could be worth considering if you are looking for a power increase.
Fitting 135 cams to 120 engines is quite a common mod.

[MGJohn]

My son did this VVC conversion on his 1.1C Rover Metro.... Car bought new in 1993 and passed to him seven years ago when he was 17. Yes, the loom and ECU from a VVC car is required but working sytematically, and mostly alone, he was able to complete the job in reasonable time with some timely buys on ebay and visits to local breaker yards. Time rather than cost is the main thing he found.

Car is a hoot to drive but has essential brake, suspension, tyre and wheel upgrades.

If you are not too clever with the spanners, simply get a VVC MG ZR.... and a replacing a K-Series in something like a 200 or ZR is a relatively easy task. My son and his Rover mad mates have been known to swap a k-Series lump ~ one in one out ~ all done on a Saturday afternoon working at a leisurely pace. He also has a Rover 200vi bought at good price ~ another ebay special. So, complete running donor VVCs are not expensive to come by....that 200vi proved far too good to break.

Youngsters today ~