Sending a question out to the forum .... what are the engine differences between the 1.3L 8-valve and 16-valve engines? Are the differences only in the cylinder head?

The reason I'm asking is I'm starting another project. It's a 2001 Metro 1.3L w/auto transaxle. The engine is in bad shape. When I removed the intake manifold, there was some oil in one of the passages. Assume cylinder and piston rings severely damaged. Maybe cylinder head problems, too.

i want to restore the engine to good operating condition.

I'd like to just buy a JDM replacement engine, but I've heard that the 16-valve 1.3L engine was not manufactured for the Japanese Domestic Market, and so isn't an option. If this is not true, please let me know, and where I might get one.

As an alternative, I was thinking of taking my 16-valve cylinder head off the engine, having it examined/rebuilt and mating it to an 8-valve 1.3L JDM engine. (I assume 8-valve 1.3's were made for the JDM, and can be imported. I'm also assuming the mating will work. I would do this assuming the cost would be low. The bottom end of the JDM 8-valve engine would be expected to be in good shape, and I might be able to sell the 8-valve head because it will probably be in good condition, as well.

Has anyone done this before? Does anyone know the 1.3L well enough to recommend a particular year or range of years of the 8-valve that will work with the 16-valve cylinder head?

If different crankshaft bearings, piston rods or pistons were used between the 8 and 16-valve, I may be out of luck.

I can tell you that the pistons are different because of the indentations for valve clearance.

Q

Hmm, pistons. OK, would have to change out the pistons, which means probably new rings, as well. And as a result, would at a minimum, require deglazing the cylinder walls in order for the rings to seat properly. I may be able to handle this, if there's nothing else different. Guessing new pistons and rings might run around $150 - $200?

I just did a ring/bearing job on my SOHC 1.3 yesterday. Bought a set of new pistons/rings/pins on Ebay for $50. Full gasket set for $33. New main and rod bearings for $33. Made in Japan, quality appears to be excellent. DOHC pistons are probably more expensive.

Q

the only thing the same is the block, the dohc engine has a forged crank, forged rods and forged pistons. the intake and exhaust manifolds are different and would require a new exhaust and a wiring harness out of a dohc car. they do sell the dohc cams from japan, they run about $800, they are sometimes called cultus motors. its about $350 for a rebuild kit with pistons for a DOHC engine

Hugemoth and Crvette69,
Thanks for your replies. So they really are different engines. I shouldn't try what I was thinking. Will need to reconsider the whole project.