I'm glad theis has worked for you. Best wishes George

Thank you for your comment. I have often wondered why the mechanic blundered. perhaps he was trying to re-assemble using the MGF workshop manual. I understand that its Engine Management System used the same plugs as the MGTF but different colours. So when they didn't fit, maybe it was thought to be time for persuasion.

That would be the VVC 160 engine. Some MGFs left Longbridge with VVC K-Series engines. MG TFs had the 160 VVC. No doubt it is possible. Plenty of info on Facebook groups from folks been there done that. My son fitted a VVC 1.8 into a Rover Metro. One I bought new in the family back in 1993 and passed it onto him when he was old enough to drive. I thought it would be an engine transplant and all the engine sub-loom stuff changes beyond his capabilities but, I was wrong. The Metro is the proverbial Pocket Rocket. I have fitted a Chinese MG6 1.8T to an MG ZT-T 1.8T. The car had engine issues in previous ownership and he offered it to me to see if I could breath new life into the car. Seven years on, a reliable daily driver. The Chinese version of the K-Series has a range of improvements when you have the English and Chinese engines side by side for comparison. The best improvement according to a Longbridge MG Motor insider being unseen. It is the casting process used by the Chinese for all the main Alloy Engine components resulting in denser, harder and stronger alloy material. Handling both engines I got that impression before I knew there were different casting processes involved. That's why some owners of other K-Series cars like those with Lotus Elises fit the stronger engine blocks and heads as they tune them to produce around and n excess of 200 bhp reliably. We have an Elise in the family. Same powertrain as the MGFs and TFs. The oldest K-Series car still in the family we've had for twenty nine years. Nowt much wrong with these clever designed engines provided they are serviced and maintained properly.