Hi guys,

i have the opportunity to buy an mg zs 1.8 for peanuts...
would this variety of k series engine be a good choice for my diddy striker assuming i will replace the hg for something stronger...

as far as i can work out, these came with 115 bhp as standard... I will be trying to link it to my type 9 so i think that this is possible with a new bellhousing?

Thought it could be worth it considering i'll have the whole car, so engine, loom, ecu, keys, etc....

in my vast experience this route will a) cost more than you expect to adapt b) more difficult than you imagine to make work

If I was starting again and didnt have a zero miles K series in my garage to use. I would have gone another route.......even BEC

So what's going to cost that much and why is it so difficult?

Can i have your xflows ??

check your u2u steve...!

I know, hahahaha

made me laugh

but anyway, back on topic, worth it or not? I need to give an answer to the guy by tomorrow lunch time or it's going to the scrappers....!

Is that the engine combo you have always wanted or is it just cause it's cheap? If you are compromising then I think you will regret it in the long run if it was me I'd be going zetec,plenty of people have done it and alot of info ect.

well i've always like the k series, the way it revs and the character....
but yes, the main reason at the moment is that i've been offered one nice and cheap...

Take it, assuming the engine's in reasonable nick. I have a standard 1.4 K series with original ECU, inlet manifold, etc. and the most difficult thing to do (which I paid someone else for...) was to connect up the wires to the rest of the car. If you've got all the loom etc. it shouldn't be a problem.

The things you will need to connect it to a Type 9 are a bellhousing, Ford clutch arm and bearing, clutch (can't remember what type I got), starter and maybe a spacer.

Also, the K is a nice light engine so that may be a factor in comparison with a Zetec, etc.

yeh i know it's also fairly light which is good. as stated i'd be getting the entire car so the loom and ecu are all there

Remember that these engines were standard fit it Caterhams for a long time, so the parts for the conversion are readily available (if possibly a little pricey, but in my experience Caterham parts are no more expensive than anywhere else for some things).

AFAIK the larger 1.8 flywheel/clutch doesn't fit into the Caterham bellhousing, you need to fit the unit from a 1.4. or 1.6.

The K series is an excellent choice for a 7 IMO, but since you are mating it to a Ford box it will inevitably take a bit more work than a Zetec to fit.

I love mine, loads of torque and it goes like stink aswell.
Steve

1.8 is actually the least desirable of the 3 engines sizes the 1.6 and 1.4 are much more free revving.

K16 Horse power claims by Rover varied a bit as cats were much more restrictive on later engines.
1.4 102-104 hp (also a de-rated 81hp version)
1.6 112 to 116 hp
1.8 116 to 120 hp as fitted in Saloons and Freelander