I think with a longer stroke you can gain torque, The long stroke crank with the 78mm is not too long,many manufacturers use much longer stroker and can run 7-8K without an issue. Honda uses also rather long strokes compared to the Fiat SOHC engines,and they rev to around 9000 in stock.
On other hand,the SOHC engine should be able to rev to 11-12K,and then massive power could be achieved with the relative low torque.
Another thing what you just mentioned,Pete, most power comes from the head and accessories. Bottom end gives only displacement. There are some factors like rod-stroke ratio, bore-stroke ratio,etc wich have some effect.
We have some people here running 1.9 turbo. They reported massive torque low down,compared to the 1.4 or 1.6 turbo engines. Of course,it may happen,that the unmodified head could not flow enough for this displacement up top.
So in my opinion,you can have 160 hp or even more on an 1.9 NA,but you wont,if you fit a stock head,with a performance cam only. 1.6 sporting is 90hp (tipo is only 78 here),with a performance cam,measured power was 100 hp. The additional 300 ccm will not gain 60 hp for sure.
With extensive work,i see no reason,why the 100-110hp/L could not be achieved on an 1.9.
On other hand,the SOHC engine should be able to rev to 11-12K,and then massive power could be achieved with the relative low torque.
Another thing what you just mentioned,Pete, most power comes from the head and accessories. Bottom end gives only displacement. There are some factors like rod-stroke ratio, bore-stroke ratio,etc wich have some effect.
We have some people here running 1.9 turbo. They reported massive torque low down,compared to the 1.4 or 1.6 turbo engines. Of course,it may happen,that the unmodified head could not flow enough for this displacement up top.
So in my opinion,you can have 160 hp or even more on an 1.9 NA,but you wont,if you fit a stock head,with a performance cam only. 1.6 sporting is 90hp (tipo is only 78 here),with a performance cam,measured power was 100 hp. The additional 300 ccm will not gain 60 hp for sure.
With extensive work,i see no reason,why the 100-110hp/L could not be achieved on an 1.9.