1.8 or 1.7
 

Hi all,
now that I've sold my '70 (I really wanted a side shifter), I'm out looking again! I know 2.0 is the way to go but my finances may not permit it. So my question is: what are the pros & cons of the 1.7 vs 1.8? I live in CA so if I get 74 or newer, I have to think about smogging the car. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
John

from what ive heard: the 1.8 has problems with it backfiring because of the vacuum on the L-jet. In my opinion, i think you should go with a 73 1.7 cause after 73 porsche started to put cheaper parts on the 914's.

Just my $0.02 cents

I love my '75 1.8 AFC motor. Starts first type everytime. 30 MPG. She ain't the fastest but is plenty peppy.

This post will probably generate a lot of responses. The 1.7 and 1.8 motors use completely different Bosch FI systems (D-jet vs L-jet), if that is a concern. 1.8's are notorious for vacuum leaks and some of the L-jet parts are difficult to find. Unless you get the CA-version 1.7, the difference in HP ratings are negligible (80hp for the 1.7 vs 76hp for the 1.8). As always, it's your call...

[This message has been edited by mejulihn (edited 07-09-2001).]

If you're keeping it stock the 1.7L is good, but if you plan to modify the motor with carbs, cam, or larger displacement the 1.8L heads are a better starting point.

The main difference is the smog. The 1.7s are 70-73, while the 1.8s are 74+. Therefore, you have to smog 1.8s and not 1.7s. That makes the 1.7s less hassle in the long run.

The FI isn't really worse on either one. The 1.8's is more sensitive to vacuum leaks, but it has fewer electrical components to go wrong (internally, at least). Plus it more directly measures the engine load to determine the basic fuel metering.

For me, the big thing is the smog.

--DD

Talk about smog, does anyone know what CA laws are? Will they move the exemption year forward as time goes by or is this it (73 & older exempt)?
Thanks

Depends on our "oh so enlightened" legislature. The way the law is currently written, 73 and earlier are exempt. In 2004, the 74s become exempt. In 2005, 75s get it. In other words, a 30-year exemption.

There have been bills introduced that will change that. None has passed as yet--not sure if any are likely to pass or not.

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

The 1.8's are fine, I had mine with the big bore kit on it and the stock L-jet and had no problems at all. I just picked up another 1.8 over the weekend and I was going to install that motor, but I found a great deal on a 2.0 motor which should be in this car.

I've actually been toying with running the L-Jet on the 2.0 !!!!!

I've been told by a few mechanics that with regards to smog, the L-Jet systems runs cleaner and is easier to get to pass the smog check.

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Mike Mueller
Antioch, CA
'75 914 2.0
http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/mmueller/personal.html

Hey John,
Congratulations on selling your 914! Get the yellow 914 2.0L that you saw last week.
You have to come over sometime and see the interior re-work on my 914.
Xerxez