I am sure it has been asked somewhere on here but after much searching I cant find it categorically answering this question.

I have a 1.1 SPI 8V engine in my mischief machine

Someone is offering me a Punto Mk2 1.2 8V lower engine block.

(I am keeping my gearbox/ head / ancilliaries)

Is this part a straight swap

As I have spare time any advice on refurbing this unit like new - eg rings, bearings, bore honing etc would be useful

Yes, it's a straight swap.

If the block isn't super high mileage it should be fine anyway. You could have the head skimmed for a little extra power if you wanted.

Thanks mate - head is already "special" (ported skimmed cam)

I am going to rebuild and recon the bottom block before fitting - he presto new engine