Changing from 1.8k standard to vvc

[Alan Archer]

How hard is it to change the complete engine from a 1.8k xpower 140 over to a 1.8k vvc, would the loom and other bits need changing? Any other bits to be aware of?

Alan

[Jonathan Kay]

Background reading!

Which ECU would you like to end up with?

Jonathan

[Peter G]

If you're talking about a complete engine swap, you will need a different loom as there are sensors etc for the vvc gubbins that you don't get in the standard K. I swapped from a 1.6 to a 1.8 vvc, and enrolled 2 fellow members to help, fortunately one of them knew what he was doing on the wiring. The ECU also needs to be swapped over as the map is different. To be honest the cost of doing all that for an additional 20bhp is a lot of work and not a small cost, so you need to get think if it's worth it. The next setup of course is to abandon the vvc stuff and utilise the better head dynamics a hotter cams, so you never stop! Having said that my 7 is so much more fun now , better all round, but particularly on low revs pick up.

[john milner]

The VVC mechanics offers more than a few extra horsepower. It is a bit like having a second engine in reserve. It works for poodling around at low revs but gives a burst of power somewhere above 3500 rpm. This results in a good level of power and economy. Probably not ideal for a track but must be close to perfect for road legal driving.