M series engine thread (for Cyprus Geoff)

[Anton]

Don't apologise dude, if I've made a mistake, it needs to be pointed out so I can fix it!

Also, sorry for getting your hopes up... :p

[timwilks13]

On a serious note though i read somewhere that the vit 1.6 and 413 1.3 use the same head gasket so do the heads match up, as in could you put the 1.6 head and pistons in a 413 block?

[twiss]

I know the 1.3 GTi head matches up perfectly to the 1.6 16v block and can use the same gasket... so its more than possible!

[kiwizook]

I know some people put a 1.6 head on a 1.3 block, and it's said you get better performance. if you would fit 1.6 internals in a 1.3, wouldn't the pistons foul on the valves etc, as it'll have a bigger stroke to achieve more displacement? or am I just silly?

[timwilks13]

You would have to change the head as well as I'm assuming it is taller on the 1.6, and would I be right in guessing a larger exhaust manifold to deal with the extra volume?

[Anton]

Kiwizook - it's complicated, but as I understand it, the 1.6 block is taller - sticking 1.6 internals in it would result in the piston tops smashing into the head. Except the pistons wouldn't fit in the first place, they're a couple of mm larger.

Tim - it's the black that is taller, I don't think the head is. Could be wrong, though.

[Rhinoman]

The 1.6 block is taller, most of the internals including the main and big end bearings are a lot larger on the 1.6 too. I'm pretty sure that the 1.6 head gasket is different as the bore is bigger, the heads will interchange but the 1.6 has bigger valves and ports. The 1.6 cam also has a little more duration.