How late a VVC engine can I use?

[sniperpenguin]

As you know, Panda may be requiring a replacement VVC engine unless we can be sure all is well with her block + head....

The question is, how late a car can I use? I assume all the Mark 1 F's are OK (143BHP, MEMs 2) and all the TF's are out of the question without some work (160BHP, MEM's 3) but what about:

- Later MK2 / MY2000 F's
- Early MK1 ZR160's
- Rover VVC Coupe's (Pretty sure these are OK, but are usually massive mileage!)

Just thinking that if I widen my search, the chance of a cheapo engine increases.... I understand that going the Rover / ZR route would involve swapping some ancillaries etc.

[Mykel]

If the engine is from an MGF, you can use all from a MEMS 2J equipped car, that is up to the 522xxx VIN range (late 2000 I'd say). As for other Rover models I can't really tell any VINs, yet imho opinion they should be identifiable from the second after-cat lambda sensor, which is a MEMS 3 feature on the VVC.

Also, if the ignition coils are still on the engine, the ones with the two twin coils beneath the inlet manifold (or where it should sit) are MEMS 2J. MEMS 3 have them directly connected to the plugs, using only 2 HT leads.

Going the 160 bhp way would also raise the need to fit an oil cooler as found on Trophy models, I'm afraid.

[sniperpenguin]

If the engine is from an MGF, you can use all from a MEMS 2J equipped car, that is up to the 522xxx VIN range (late 2000 I'd say). As for other Rover models I can't really tell any VINs, yet imho opinion they should be identifiable from the second after-cat lambda sensor, which is a MEMS 3 feature on the VVC.

Also, if the ignition coils are still on the engine, the ones with the two twin coils beneath the inlet manifold (or where it should sit) are MEMS 2J. MEMS 3 have them directly connected to the plugs, using only 2 HT leads.

Going the 160 bhp way would also raise the need to fit an oil cooler as found on Trophy models, I'm afraid.

Cheers - Some Im essentially good with any VVC that has the coil packs lower down - brilliant

(Oil cooler shouldnt be a problem, as it is already fitted to the TF160. I was just hoping that the early ZR's use the early VVC engine > apparently not!)

[Geoff.F]

Going the 160 bhp way would also raise the need to fit an oil cooler as found on Trophy models, I'm afraid.

The "Cooler" is either to enhance coolant heating on start or a sales gimmick. Probably the latter.
Geoff F.

[ElectroSoldier]

Why dont you get what you have got fixed, as opposed to get fixed up with another?

[sniperpenguin]

Why dont you get what you have got fixed, as opposed to get fixed up with another?

Because I dont know if the engine in my project car is salvagable - If it isnt, I'll need to source a replacement.