My original plan was simply to swap my 1.6 for the 1.8VVC, but nothing is ever that simple. I don't really like the imprecise "rattle rod" gearchange on the R65 box so decided to go with a PG1 and use the MGF cable change. That also means MGF driveshafts too.
I managed to source an engine (with starter motor, alternator, manifolds, injectors etc), gearbox, driveshafts, cable gearchange mech/linkage, ECU, 5AS/fob and complete engine wiring loom all from a '98 MGF with a claimed 68,000 miles. Claimed to be running fine and with an intact head gasket.
As the engine was separate from the car I thought it would be worth giving it a once over before installing as I didn't want o fit it and then find it was a bag of spanners.
I figured a new water pump and cam belts would be a sensible precaution. I then thought I might as well take the head off and check it out. Before doing so I compression tested it and one cylinder was a bit down - possibly the valves were left open on that one whilst it was sat for 5 months on a pallet under a tarp! That decided it, the head was coming off.
Whilst the head was off I thought I may as well have a go at the ports. Mainly because I wanted to have a go at it and as long as I didn't break anything it was effectively free. I had no real plans to increase the power but if it does give an improvement, I won't actually know as it will be lost in the general increase from the bigger engine. Hopefully it won't make things worse. I've no plans to change the cams or upgrade/remap the ECU so there is a limit to how far to go. If Ifind myself wanting more then there are other options for the future. Other than the slightly leaky exhaust valves (just needs a bit of lapping) everything looks pretty good inside.
I am aware of the guru Dave Andrews and I've read some of his stuff. I know a couple of guys from the Bristol Kit Car Club who have both gone down the DVA head upgrade route - one on an Onyx Firefox, the other on a Marlin 5exi (now written off) If any one is interested Dave Bence's build diary and subsequent upgrades
http://www.davebence.co.uk/ is well worth a read - his guide and photos on setting up the VVC timing is probably the best on the internet and there are lots of other useful snippets on K series bits that transfer well to the world of GTM.
I'm currently trying to convince Ken to part with his DVA modded head as its pretty much all thats left from his Marlin after his crash! If I do get it I'll keep this project head as a spare!
The other mod is the Passat radiator upgrade. I've got all the bits and I'll do that at the same time as installing the engine as I'll have to take the front to back pipes out to get the gear change installed!