differences in 1600 8 valve blocks

[johnny27]

Have some plans for a new nova when i finally get a good shell. Want to ask about different 1600 blocks? Say one has a C16NZ block, and a 1.6 nova gsi block, not sure of engine code (e16se?)
Are they both the same? Is the only difference in the GSi engine down to the MPI cyclinder head and MPi injection system instead of the SPI system on the C16NZ enigne?
Am hoping it is or someone can tell me any difference. I was thinking of using a MK3 astra c16nz block and bolting on the MPi head with t40s. Problem is, is the astra 1600 engine a small block 1600 version or the big block? Cause i know the nova 1600 block where classed as "small block" so they retain the same mounting points as smaller engines, but if a C16NZ engine is big block its not worthwhile converting engine mounts and so on just for a 1600 engine. Thanks

[mikey14sr]

A 1.6 block from a mk3 should be small block, the only differences I think there could be is in the shape of the piston crowns and the deck heights of the pistons.

[johnny27]

BTW i only asking this because GSi and GTE Nova's are very few here, never mind finding one in a scrappy.

[johnny27]

A 1.6 block from a mk3 should be small block, the only differences I think there could be is in the shape of the piston crowns and the deck heights of the pistons.

Thanks, but should this affect using the MPi 1600 head?

[Adam]

Im pretty sure that the C16nz block has different pistons to a E16se one, different compression.
It would physically work tho.

Not sure what effect it would have on power etc tho.

[johnny27]

Can you confirm if the c16nz is a small block? I know that it comes in some cav's aswell as astra's but i thought all cav's where big blocks?

[johnny27]

Sorry also forgot to ask, did any other vaux come with the e16se?

[mikey14sr]

early mk3 astra.

[burgo]

not all cavvy's 1.6 are big block some are small but its finding them

[craig green]

All Cav mk3 will be SV small block. Old mk2 was big block 1.6.

Ive got 3 E16SE blocks & there are 2 different ones. My GSi has different casting nos etc & the GTE although still E16SE has no belt tensioner but obviously different markings.

The cyl head is labelled 16 SE. I gather the heads are different to SV aswell.

[Adam]

Ye, the Sv head is similar to a 1.4SR head(square ports).
SE is round ports, bigger valves.

It was about 1991/92 when belt tensioners were fitted, usually identifible by the square top cambelt cover.