Erm, I thought there was more modding opportunity with a GT Turbo lump. You cant exactly whack up the boost on a 16V after a few select mods!
People always ask if they can do an engine transplant and the answer is always yes. But it will not be as cheap, long or short run, as just buying a 16V. The 16V wasnt just a regular Clio with bigger brakes, arches, bumpers and engine. Theres also the four-bar rear torsion system, rear discs, beefier anti-roll bars etc etc.
My mate has a Rover 216 Coupe that he has fitted a Honda Prelude 2.2 engine into. As standard they push out about 180bhp. He started by picking up a cheap engine and trying to fit it. In the end it cost well over £10,000 as he had to get a £3,000 ECU, shocks, brakes, etc. Its undoubtedly a unique and mega, mega fast car... but what else could he have bought if he knew it was going to cost £10k at the outset? Maybe three or four faster and more tuneable Rover 220 Turbo Coupes!!