My pg1 handled 465 nm of torque no problem, ok it had uprated bearings but your never going to kill a healthy one with the low torque output of a vvc.

not saying they cant handle it, but my dad says its not a good box in his opinion, dont know what parts he doesnt rate in them, but tend to trust what he says when it comes to gearboxes lol, i had said i was thinking of putting one in and spoke to him and his reply was "why would you want to do that"

As the bottom end seems ok at the moment and i really only want a bit more oomph I can't see the point of a complete change. Also it's got to be cheaper to just change the head/cams than a complete engine change?

The question is can the vvc gear be fitted, is it worth doing or can you get the same sort of power without vvc but different cams?

Think i'll also post this in the relevant section!!

Nice motor btw

160 pistons are of higher compression than standard 120's.

Price difference depends on the engine you buy. A good head is £150. Add in the cost of inlet, exhaust and throttle body and cost of head gasket kit and you are more or less the same cost as a full engine. You also need to run the 160 management and part of it's loom. So not necessarily more cost effective to only swap the top half.

Cost is always gonna be an issue for people. But - when you change the whole driving characteristics of your car - you're basically getting a new one !

If the car you have is practical for your needs, good tyres, interior etc etc - I think an engine change is a great way to refresh things.

Personally - I've never kept one long enough and always had a rationale for getting a whole new car - but with the "Red Shed" - I'm thinking what next ?...

Power-wise for me a turbo really is the only way to go in terms of a change, but I'd never go down Dan's route of the whole DIY thing. But as it's a spare - I like the idea of taking it somewhere and dropping it off - to return a few weeks later and have a whole new beast !

I'd love to have an idea of costs for engine changes etc - but recognise that if deals are done, it's not always in the interests of the businesses or the individuals to disclose.

I think you've all done a great job. Car looks neat and where the builder is close and on the forum, you've always got him to go back to..... Hats off all-round.

He will be my go to guy for 250BHP for exactly those reasons! Although at 115,000 miles, the current V6 has me uBer impressed!

I went the easy way.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...F/IMG_1309.jpg

160 VVC, little screamer!!!!

Quicker than a 180. :yes::yes::yes:

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

Thats certainly one way to go about it Peter,
But I didnt want to look like a hairdresser

Still love it!

At my age I dont give a to**. :oldtimer::oldtimer:

:laugh::laugh::laugh: