So, the big reason that every is saying to swap to a 1.8 is jot for 0.2L more displacement (which is nice) but even the 94 1.8 has a 10 year newer head design than the shitty restrictor that is the 1.6 head. If you are really planning a big money, big power build, spend the extra on a 1.8 as a core just for the better head. No, you can't port the 1.6 head to get anywhere near the 1.8 one.

The only reason to even think about building a 1.6 is you have a bunch of them around and plan on doing a redneck rods only build for $500 all in and you already have all the turbo bits for a 1.6 in your car.

 

I am currently running a rods only 1.6 build and it is ok so far. I have a 1.8 I am going to build but wanted turbo power now and didn't want to shoot a connecting rod through the block. Trust me save up for the 1.8. I make a good amount of cash and had money to spare which is why I went the route I did. I also have a spare chassis I plan on turning into a Miata kart so once the 1.8 is done the 1.6 is going back into it's original home.

Btw it wasnt like i went from a 1.8 to a 1.6 to go back to a 1.8, just my 90 had a 1.6 already and I had a spare. I'm making ok power now and the car is a lot more fun to drive, however seeing the power and torque differences between the 1.8 and the 1.6, you get more bang for your buck with a 1.8

If you're a broke college kid focus on everything brakes and suspension or body before building a motor. You'll be able to drive it faster because it will handle better. Dont be like my friend with a WRX where he put all his cash into power, makes about 400hp but drove on 220k mile struts and stock brakes for years. We finally put some Koni Yellows on his car and he was amazed at the difference in how it drives and handles. Power is nothing if you can't apply it properly.

 

In my opinion power is one of the last things you do to a build. As stated above sink your money into everything else and have a complete car then when ready add power. Do all you suspension, brakes, cooling, safety, engine management, grip upgrades first and while you do that slowly compile parts for a 1.8 build. Then when everything else is done and you have time on the car drop in the built motor and profit.

 

I'm amazed you all continue to try to help him after he's flat out said he's sticking with the 1.6.

 

They hope they can keep him from making mistakes...

Rebellions are built on hope.

 

I would be willing to bet he doesnt follow through with any of it.

 

****, I wish someone would have told me this 14 years ago when I was tearing apart a perfectly good k24.

OP, read this and then read it again.

 

Only build 1 racecar at a time too.

Trying to build and maintain and play with multiple toy cars gets really expensive,really fast.