Hello,

Newbie here. I been reading everything I could on this forum but I still have a question. I have a 1990 323 w/ 68,000 miles. Picked it up for $400.00, it was sitting next cinder block factory and a mess. Its running fine, cleaned and in good working order. I am interested in an engine swap. The 1.8 DOHC sounds good but I have a lead on a SOHC for free. Free is always good. Right now the 1.6 SOHC has 82 hp the 1.8 SOHC has 102 hp. Is this worth it? I plan on taking it apart and doing head work on it and thinking about miata pistions to up the compression ( if they fit). Any feedback would help.

BTW, I have done a festiva 1.6 swap before so this is not my first atempt at somthig like this (3.8 buick in a chevette was fun!)

thanks
Buster

 

Free or not, you're better off in the long run with the DOHC swap.
If you want to do any more performance stuff in the future, the DOHC is the way to go.
Wrong forum BTW