vec c 1.8 vvt, what to look out for? any common issues?

[taffy bhoy]

might be going to look at a 1.8sri vvt in the next couple of days, what are these engines like? any common issues to look out for apart from the usual vec c ones? what are they like on fuel? whats the power like? we had a preface 1.8 which if honest felt underpowered for the size of the car, are the vvts any better?

[Das]

Clatter on start up about the only thing to look for Taffy, but its a relatively easy fix. 1.8 is never going to set the heather alight mate, vvt has 20bhp extra over the pre face 16v 1.8. Only other thing to look for is that the thermostat is ok. A couple of threads about the plastic housing behind the thermostat housing breaking when changing the thermostat and it is not cheap to replace. If you think the 1.8 may be too under powered best bet to look out for a 2.0t as its easily the next most reliable.