Engine mods for stock 1.7?

[SlowToady]

Hi,

My friend with the 914 (72 1.7, carbed) just asked me about mods to his car, engine and suspension wise. He's not looking for any really radical or race car-ish, just some things to make the commute to work/school/dates a bit more spirited. We quickly tossed the idea of an engine swap (I was thinking to a bigger 4) because of $ and complexity. I was thinking

Web Cam

Bursch Exhaust

Delltoro or Weber carbs (opinions?)

How hard is to uninstall and reinstall the crank in this motor? I was thinking maybe get the crank lightened a bit, or just get an aftermarket unit.

Any other engine ideas?

The suspension is the stock Porsche unit, and IMO, it's showing its age. I have no ideas in this area, any suggestions?

We're working on a somewhat limited budget here, he's selling his truck to help fund it and also buy a winter vehicle so a 6 conversion is totally not happening, and raising the compression with new pistons might be a tad expensive as well.

Thanks guys, and I'll keep searching.

[Hawktel]

The main thing I'd do with it to attempt to increase its Umph a little is to try to restore it to the best condition you can, engine wise at least.

You might try going back to a FI setup also.

Also he might spend the money getting MEga Squirt. Or use the money to start getting a Conversion together, and build on it later.

[Bleyseng]

How far do you want to go?
Lightening the crank?? hmm, lightening the flywheel (12lbs)does more.

The stock pistons were 8.2 to 1 compression but you could go to 96mm ones with the same ratio. Have to have the head register bored for them. This would give you a 1911cc engine.

If you have carbs then go to a Webcam 86 for a better match.

Suspension work helps these 30 year old cars alot. Shocks, sways, bushings, tierods, balljoints make a BIG difference.

Geoff

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Changing the crank or the cam involves tearing the entire motor apart. Both are sandwiched between the case halves, unlike in a 'Murkin V8 where the cam slides out the front and the crank is held in by the caps.

Not a lot to do to the engine, frankly. If he has a single carb, throw it away and put on a pair of duals. Dells and Webers both have their fans. He can put a set of headers on, which should squeeze a few more ponies out, but the only ones that really work cost quite a bit. (The cheaper ones can be found at http://www.kerryhunterenterprise.com ; the most effective ones at http://www.tangerineracing.com .)

As for suspension, there's a lot that can be done, though some of it may already have been. Going to 195/65-15 or 195/60-15 tires (wider footprint than stock) of a good grippy kind (e.g., Falken Azenis, BFG Comp T/A kd or kdw, etc.) will certainly help. A front sway bar is a must-have, IMHO. A stock one (used, relatively cheap) or an aftermarket adjustable 19mm one should work with a stock suspension. After that, ride quality starts to get compromised... Oh, a decent modestly-aggressive alignment will help the car stick as well.

Of course, most of those things also depend on how your friend drives the car. Getting a "race car" alignment on a car that is not driven aggressively will wear out the tires and result in a car that is twitchy and not that fun to drive...

There are a lot more options for the suspension, as well. Stiffer rear springs, larger front torsion bars, larger front sway bars, etc. These should be matched together so that one end of the car does not get significantly stiffer than the other, or the car will be unbalanced.

--DD

[SteveStromberg]

Bump the C/R to 9 to 1 with fly cut, Put a cam in it, My choice is a Norris 294X. Twin 40 Idf, With Stacks and 6inch A/C.Bursch will work, timming at 32 using a 050. Steve