looking in the Haynes manual, mk2 escort, the 1300 cc came in a number of flavours, LC, HC and 2V. (the 2V being most powerful )

Is there any way to tell from the block which is which?

I am guessing not since the book mentions the cam has a ring of paint that corresponds to one of the variants.

Also can you tell without removing the rocker cover which is 1600 or 1300 head?

And what is difference between the two? (1600 I think has bigger vavles?)

would a 1600 head be better than a 1300 (if the valve thing is true, then yes I suppose).

I think all the UK Mk2 engines were HC.
Generally the standard HC engine was fitted with a single choke card. The 2V engine was fitted with a twin choke carb (either weber or motorcraft) and also had an uprated cam. If the engine is still as originally built, then whether it has a single or twin choke carb indicates which engine it is.
There is no way to tell from looking at the block, just AA for 1300 and AB for 1600.
I believe the haynes manual gives valve diameters.

HTH

David

on the 1.3 there is a cast marking on the cylinder head of '33' whereas on the 1.6 it is '37'

...also on the cylinder block there is also a marking: 711m-6015-a-a for 1.3, 711m-6015-b-a on 1.6.

Engine coding...1.3lc = j1f, 1.3hc = 2jh, 1.32v = 3jd 1.6 2v = l3a

[Edited on 12/10/06 by andrews_45]

Why are you bothering with the 1300 anyway? 1600 is much more tuneable>
Cheers J&J