K Series for or against

[Balidey]

I'm still not 100% on my engine choice. The favourite was looking to be the later Duratec all alloy block, but as has been metioned, its not a direct fit to the MT75 so would need an adaptor.

So I was thinking about other engines also needing adaptors and I got to thinking about the K series 1.8. I know Chris briefly touches on it in the good book, but what are the pitfalls?

I hear its meant to be a light engine, but how compact is it?

I know its plentiful, therefore bound to be cheaper and easier to get hold of than the later Duratec.

Tuning wise, well its been used for a long time in race trim, so parts and 'goodies' should be easy to get.

I presume a bell housing or adaptor should be available.

Or am I missing something, is there a RWD G'box that suits it?

Any models to look out for, or any to avoid?

And please, I have heard the usual headgasket horror stories, but from what I have read, its not a fact that its an inherent design fault, its more of a symptom of other issues.

Anything else that is in its favour, or anything that goes against it being fitted to a Haynes Roadster? (I'm sure there has been discussions about the K before but I bet its been deleted)

And finally, anyone actually using one?