Engine swap

[Simeon]

If you use your existing gearbox and get a complete engine you shouldn't need much else, maybe better brakes.

Wiring loom physically fits into your fusebox, just have to do a few mods depending on what coil you want to use etc. Again, lots of info available in the usual places; here, ed38, clubgti - have a search

[Jasonniemand]

thanks! whats your opinion on the 8v vs 16v, cause i read on another forum and found that the 8v is a more reliable engines as if the timing belt was to slip or snap the 16v would bend valves and damage pistons. On the other hand, the 8v will not even bend any valves as it is an non interference engine, and parts are much cheaper than for a 16v.

[Simeon]

Er, given the correct belt change interval and servicing I don't think you have too much to worry about.. Being non-interference doesn't make it any more 'reliable'.

I'd put an abf in it personally, but it depends what you want from the car and how much time/effort you have to put into it.

abf is 150bhp straight out the box probably more with a decent exhaust.