1.8L with big heads

[Joe Ricard]

So I didn't have enough on my plate. I stumbled upon a 1.8L bus motor. It has a EA serial number linked to a tail shift 914 tail shift tranny.
As you might remember I trashed one of my 2.0L piston a little while back. I have to admit I am getting antzy to drive my teener soon. So this is eventually going to be my boys car. WOuld it be possible to put my 2.0L heads on the 1.8L ? This would significantly slow the car down (a good thing). The 1.8 should connect to the side shift trans easy enough. But the 44IDF carbs are probably not going to run huh?
Current 2.0L is slightly warmed over Euro pistons port polish heads dual valve springs solid lifters and WEB 86B cam lightened flywheel 14lbs.

I have searched wide to get a replacement piston and still haven't given up as one of our own is still working on it. Anyone have a better option? Eventually I will rebuild the 2.0L bigger and badder for my own teener.

[DSPTurtle]

I think John at aircooled.net sells single pistons. Why wouldn't the 44's work? You might have to choke them down a bit and you may lose a little bottom end but it will scream up top...all 72 ponies!!!

[Joe Ricard]

oops

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

EA should be a 1.7, just as it is in the 914.

The 44's are probably a bit big for a 1.7 or 1.8; you may wind up with lackluster low RPM performance. It should open up the top end nicely, but with the stock cam you'll run out of pep very shortly after 5000 RPM anyway.

2.0 heads will need adaptor rings to fit on 1.7 cylinders, otherwise the cylinders can slide around on the wider flat part (the "register") in the head. They don't actually slide once everything is torqued up, but until then... And the sealing will be sub-optimal.

--DD

[Joe Ricard]

I measured the piston at 93MM with cailpers and the outside of the cylinder apears to match the 2.0L head. Slowing the car down for my boy wouldn't be a bad thing. Kinda was thinking about this anyway.
I visited Aircooled.net I could seriously get in trouble there. Set of forged 96mm P/C's oh baby. Maybe I will keep the car and get the boy something else. Anybody want a 78 928?

[karlp]

Hey Joe-
I'll trade you my 2bbl Weber progressive for your 44's. That should slow the boy down considerably.

Karl P

[Zeke]

I'll trade you 40 IDF's for the 44's.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Well, sounds like you've got yourself a 1.8 there!

You might send the cylinders off to Rimco to have them bored to 96mm. Last I heard it was $10 each, which is probably cheaper than new. Plus there is a decent chance that the quality is better...

New rings and new 96mm pistons, and you'll have yourself a 1910cc that should go quite nicely! Set the compression up to about 8.5:1 and it should definitely get out of its own way.

--DD

[Joe Ricard]

My 2.0L motor is the one with the bad piston. You know the one that has a few go fast parts in it already. So I went to aircooled.net. probably will go with the 96mm on the bigger motor. Thats like 2056? With the heavy breathing capability of 2.0 heads web 86B cam 14 lb flywheel this car should go like stink.
Car has no sound deading, no carpets fiberglass bumpers and valance. Corbeau Forza seats.

P.S. 78 928 for sale S4 wheels, "S" brakes, No CAT Borla, Great interior , needs paint. $7,000 I drive this car everyday.

[DSPTurtle]

Did Aricooled have the one piston you needed? If not, Raby might have a used one laying around from a core??? Might be worth a phone call.

[Joe Ricard]

Aircooled seemed to have good service and was very honest as to why they would not separate a desirable piston set. That is understandable. Jake has been looking for a match for awhile, I understand he is busy and don't feel the need to pester him everyday. I still have the responsiblity to find a match myself too, So I have a few more contacts out there. Just need more spare time Like all of you I am sure.
The guy with the 1.8 bus motor will take it back as soon as I can put the head back on an load it up in the truck. (good news). He was told it was a 2.0L so he has to go back to where he bought it.