Defiantly don’t go for a 1.4 16v, the difference isn’t worth it, If I was you i would go for either the 1.6 16v or maybe a low mileage 1.8 16v or Williams engine, I know a lot of work will be needed to fit the last 2 engines but if your gonna be keeping your car for a while, why not?
Also you will need to get some brake disks and pads on the back, unless you don’t wanna be stopping much. I read somewhere on these forums that someone changed the back axle from a 172 and fitted it to there 1.2 16v to make rear brakes work on it, don’t know much about it tho, search the forums.
Also While the engines out you wanna get it sorted, head skimmed etc, oh ya also keep the 16v badges so when the mugs try to race you in their vtrs they wont understand why they cant keep up. muhahahahaha and Clio’s will get the respect they deserve.
Btw if you do decide to go ahead and do this I would be very interested at the costs as ive been wanting to do this for a while but am still undecided whether to get 172, valver or transplant.