I've had a suggestion from Ian Howell to just get a new crate block and start from there. But would I be better off with a new bottom end? Decided not to go for more power and keep it original spec'd so no need for forging it.
I had a look at the smoke earlier and it seems it is coming from where the exhaust downpipe joins the turbo. Its a bit loose and only really happens when I blip the throttle though it does a little smoke just sitting on idle. And only when it's just warming up. One garage has said likely just turbo and another said likely pistons and turbo. Can I check anyway for sure? Car uses a little oil but only maximum mark to minimum in 3 or 4 weeks.
There's a new 1.8 blacktop on eBay, still in wrapper for £650ish iirc that I was looking at but input welcome lads.