Engine conversion from mk1 1.8 to larger block

Hi all, Just need some advise. My headgasket has blown on my MK1 convertible 1.8 with oil leaking everywhere. I was just looking at getting it fixed when someone mentioned it will cost just as much to have a conversion done from a Mk2 or even a mk3 1.8gti?

Would this be a straight conversion or is this a fiddly job? And what about the gearbox would my gearbox be up to the job and fit easily. If this cant happen what engine conversion would be the easiest and cheapest??

Cheers guys….

AFAIK there are no 1.8 Mk3 GTIs, they were all 2.0 litre for the Mk3. Using a Mk2 1.8 8V engine isn't really a conversion (with more power) as such, just using a similar, instead of same, engine to replace yours. So its not too complicated but there's an amount of swapping parts between the 2 engines, etc. Also note if its a Digifant (after 1987) you'll have many more parts to swap over and there are lots of small variation of cams, they generally got milder over the years due to emissions requirements.

2.0 litre 8V and 16V are more involved, but more power gains. Check out the article on the left.