i am having a 1.8 changed into my car as i type but i have a rocker cover from a 1.6 in my garage i have orderd a new gasket as the 1.6 has the same rocker cover as the 1,8 and i am planning to spray it i was wondering will i need heat resistant paint or not and also do i lacker it ?

i used normal paint on mine and its fine, just make sure you clean it properly before you prime and paint, you dont have to lacquer it but it makes it shine more and its easier to clean

Yes they're the same fitment. Some say 'DOHC', some say 'Zetec'.