Smoke, rattle and roll

I think the engine in our 1978 1500 has had it - every time I start it up, pull away or stick my boot down, the world behind disappears in a blue haze. Oil consumption is appalling - add into that the carb woes we've been suffering (see 1.5 carb thread) and the prognosis isn't good.

Without going to injection (mainly due to the wiring/plumbing issues involved) what other engine options do I have without too much re-engineering? For example, I keep seeing 1.6litre units from Mk2s for not a lot of cash - can this be fitted without any major mods? I'd like to fit a five-speed box too so using a Mk2 engine would be good, as most seem to have them!

Otherwise, does anyone have any suggestions or offers of replacement engines - we live in Northants these days, and there is cash waiting.

Thanks!

Vick - I have a complete 1.5 engine and box ready to drop in.  Out of car now but i did have it running and sounded fine.

I am in Oxfordshire so not too far away. Interested?

Send me a mail at crazyquiff@yahoo.com

Cheers

Rich

Hows a bout a 1.6 carb engine from a scirocco ?

sometimes its cheaper to buy a full car where u can hear the engine running, if you  can get your hands on a post 86' 1.8 jetta or golf u have everything u need and they are torquey and bulletproof especially if you replace the shite carbs on them, suprisingly economical too and an absolute doddle to change