> Cosworth, Hmmm.. I think it was the Vega that Peugeot modeled the 405
> from.. and then it was stolen by Infinity.
The basic Vega motor with the the fancy aluminum block no-sleeve bores was
GM. It was a SOHC 2V/cyl
The Performance model (1975) was indeed a Cosworth designed head that was
DOHC 16V.
see: http://www.sparky.on.ca/cvoa/story.htm
Without a lot of digging it's hard to say how much the Vega design
influenced others. Certainly it's an early example of rubber-belt driven
DOHC 16V 4-cylinder and must have served as a model to other companies.
I can't find any record of Cosworth having a direct connection with the
XU9J4 motor. Given that DOHC 4 valve motors go back to 1913 with Peugeot I
would think that would not need or want any outside help!
As to the Stihl markings on the cover. Stihl is a major producer of
high-pressure die-cast precision magnesium parts. This type of stuff is a
must-do for hi-perf light-weight chainsaws. PSA simply outsourced that
item, it being the only (or one of few) magnesium parts on the motor.
Why do the 16V last longer than the 8V? The latter suffered from a lot of
head issues. The 16V is a whole different design in that area. Also, I'm
sure that the ratio of units made was 1000/1 8/16V so that alone made a
difference.
Most Mi16 owners tend to be more attentive to the cars whereas as the
average 8V person in the early 90's used to treat it like another car.
-Jim