im running an american 1.9 tall block engine from specialised engines, this was built back around 1998/99. i bought it from my mate, who got it built originally by them, and had it dropped into mine so i know the history of it very well. im currently running it on gotech management and its knocking out around 260-270bhp at 1.3bar and ive never had a problem with it, neither did my mate. i suppose its still low milage for the amount of years its been built ( less than 20k ) but its done me well, all i know it needs is a rear crank seal which is no biggy.

your not going to want to run more bhp and torque than i am through one to be fair but the 1.9 from the right place does have its uses still if you want an alternative to a 1.6 or a zvh. it all comes down to what your going to use it for.

i admit im going 2.0 zvh but thats only because i wanted an engine with steel rods and forged pistons, and for the money, this can be done alot cheaper going the zvh route than me rebuilding the tall block which was my prefered option.

you can contact specialised engines and euro engines who both use the american tall block, i spoke at lenght with euro engines about buying just a new fully built bottom end with steel rods and a forged piston set up and they were very helpful, i was scared off by specailised as ive heard alot of horror storys over the last 5 years or so about their workmanship taking a turn for the worst and the fact ian quoted me £1200 just to supply me steel rods lol.

dave.