mi16 conversion

[205conversionator]

ive got a 205 gti 1.6 that i want to convert to a mi16, so i went and got a 1991 405 mi16 1.9 with 116000 miles. I want to get the engine rebuilt and tuned up to around 200bhp. Can any one give me any advice on how to go about it please? Thanks

[chompy]

is it the alloy block mi16?

[504V6Ti]

Not answering your initial query, but how does this sort of thing work in the UK? Do you need DVLA agreement or validation by some authority to check the modified car's road worthiness? And how about insurance? Do they easily provide cover for vehicles that have had this sort of transformation?

This sort of thing is nearly impossible in France as you need either the manufacturer or the regulatory authority to sanction the conversion and any significant power increase is usually prohibited. Furthermore, finding an insurance company that will provide cover will be Mission Impossible. On the other hand, I've seen Petrol to Diesel conversion that had ben sanctionned/approved by the regulator.

[205conversionator]

I think its the alloy block, il get back to you

[chompy]

well if it is the alloy block, get the bottom end strengthened before you start doing anything else, the alloy blocks are like choclate!

[205conversionator]

isn't it lighter tho?

[chompy]

yep, but theres no point in it being lighter if it breaks

[205conversionator]

Im sure its alloy, is it steel on other models?. If so steel would be magnetic and my engine is not magnetic.

[chompy]

well, firstly get the bottom end strenghtend, i do recomend hi-flowheads, there just outside edinburgh and have mega experience with 205's and the MI conversion, brilliant guys 2 deal with aswel! and they don't screw ya over ;D

[205conversionator]

Whats involved in strenghtening the bottom end then mate? And is it gonna cost alot? What causes the bottom end to break aswell, is it just when you start tuning it up or is it common anyway?

[Admin]

205conversionator said:

Whats involved in strenghtening the bottom end then mate? And is it gonna cost alot? What causes the bottom end to break aswell, is it just when you start tuning it up or is it common anyway?

You can by better quality bearings for the crank as well as con rods etc and have the engine blueprinted and balanced. Thatway it won't brak itself to pieces when used in anger on the track.

Mi conversions also suffer from oil pressure problems when used hard, which you will need to look at if you want your engine to last. This is caused by oil surge under hard cornering and braking. Don't know the cure off the top of my head.

Non alloy blocks are iron, they don't go pourous like the alloy ones either.

Oh and to answer Herve, you can do anything you like to modify your car as long as it passes the emissions and the rest of the MOT. To a point anyway, different parts of the car carry different points ratings, i.e. suspension is 2 points, bodyshell is 4 points engine 2 points etc. If you go over a certain number of points for new, or non original items in one car then the DVLA classes it as a kit car and you need to get a single type approval, basically a one off super MOT.

[frank]

you need to find a good engine builder near you and somone you trust to build you a stonking motor. these are good engines but you can get similar results with a good 1.9 gti engine tweeked, i have a 205 with a 406 petrol urbo engine in it, dont know what bhp its doing but its quick.

[205conversionator]

so would having the engine blueprinted and balanced be an alternitive to having the bottom end strenghtend?

[frank]

no, blueprinting is the term used to have the engine made to the exact spec that it should of been when it left the factory, but in fact it would of been made to a tolerance. ballanced just makes it all move in tune.

[205conversionator]

so does a rebuild give you the same results as blueprint?