200 bhp K series

[DKL]

My caterham runs the 1.6 ss engine so around 140bhp.
I'd like a bit more but just changing the car isn't really an option. I imagined I'd buy a vhpd/r400/elise190 engine and drop that in but they are remarkably hard to find it seems. Looking at the exige website it seems they are very sought after now.
DVA offers a K06 kit which runs to 175 bhp based on mine for about £4k which is alot to not achieve what I want.
Alternatively a 160 vvc engine from a dead MG, jenveys, emerald ecu and I'd be getting close ish I'd imagine.
Anyone suggest a better option short of a duratec.
Thanks

[rdodger]

I spoke to DVA about a 200bhp K some time ago.

From memory it was:

VVC Engine.
Head work
Cams
Piper VVC Blank kit
Forged pistons
Modify rods to suit
De glaze or new liners
Jenvey TB's
Emerald ECU

It was going to cost circa 5K

[Glenn T]

What gearbox and diff have you got? I've got a 1.6k with forged pistons, hotter cams, ported heads, jenveys etc, throwing out about 150 but it's the standard type 9 5 speed box that is a limiting factor, really need a closer ratio 6'speed box to make best use of current power (or more).
I concluded that upgrade wasn't sensible (£1500 for a second hand 6-speed box, plus £500 fitting). Why do you say selling not an option? If you are considering spending thousands selling yours and buying something with the power you want would probably make more sense?

[DKL]

Thanks both.
I have the 6 spd box and an open 3.92 diff.
I can't sell as there are only 4 vhpd 21s one of which is now a duratec.

The £5k sounds about right, just got to decide if it's worth it!

[Garybee]

I bought an MOT'd, fairly low mileage MGZR 160 for £600 (previous cat-D). After selling off the wheels, interior,gearbox few other choice parts I ended up with an engine/loom/ECU/5AS etc. for a grand total of about £150. The plan is to drop this in with nothing more than a good service and see how it fares. I may blank off the VVC and fit an Emerald and throttle bodies later but I'm interested to see how well it goes 'as is'.

If you keep your eye out they appear fairly regularly and even living out in East Lincolnshire it was only 3 or 4 months before one popped up nearby.