You can use a 16v bottom end with an 8v head. Get good power from them. Friend has one on a big valve head, solid lifters, double springs, jenvey tbs and mbe ecu. To put a 16v head on if you have too keep 8v pistons would need valve pockets machining but may not have thickness on the crown.

Mainly looking at a small block 1.6 16v head onto a 8v bottom end

Reason I ask is to remain in the same hillclimb class, Im looking at a potential new project for hillclimbs and sprints and a 1.3SR nova has came up for sale local that seems perfect.
Now that would put me into category B1 (up to 1400cc) and theres not much competition in there atm and its a bit of a dead end. B2 however (1600-2000) has alot more competition and would be better crack.

My limitations is that I must use a standard block that was available with the car, i.e Nova 1.6 8v block. Can use any head I want so was wondering what options I have, if any.
From some quick googling it seems theres a bit of a clash with the 8v crank bulley working with the 16v belt as the 16v has the crank sensor and also problems with tensioners aswell

[Edited on 01-10-2014 by Mertin]