Hassle free 1300 engine swap options?

[james_16v]

Hi

Was lucky enough recently to be given a 90 spec LHD 1300 Golf.
Bodyworks in great condition (Better than my GTI if I hold my hands up!), interior is mint, but it has engine problems.
I haven’t tried starting it (flat battery) but was told it starts but runs incredibly roughly and chucks out a load of black smoke.
I’ve thought about breaking it but its really too good for that and still has 6 months MOT.
Ideally id like to get it back on the road and was wondering are there any other engines bar a 1300 that will drop in with minimum fuss?
I’m not looking for a GTI conversion etc just a cheap and cheerful, bolt up and drive away solution to get the car back on the road.

Cheers

[Wayne]

I believe a later Polo engine would go in or with a bit of work maybe a 1.6.

[james_16v]

I believe a later Polo engine would go in or with a bit of work maybe a 1.6.

Later polo engine? Are we talking 6N polos?

[Wayne]

I believe a later Polo engine would go in or with a bit of work maybe a 1.6.

Later polo engine? Are we talking 6N polos?

Yes you can also get a 1.4 16v

[james_16v]

Awesome cheers for the info 
There's no shortage of polo's in the scrappers so will have a look about.
My missus used to have a 1.4 8v 6N and it served her well enough.
Always fancied the 1.4 16v, supposed to be suprisingly nippy for what they are. . .100bhp?
Seem to really fetch good money though and the engines seem to get snapped up pretty quickly too.

[johnson6672]

Does the 1.8/1.6 carb not go straight in?

[rubjonny]

mk3 polo lump probably the same as whats in there now, but any big block pretty much fits in just a case of how much work do you want to do.