Decision...Rebuild 1.8 or replace with 2.0

[kenschipper]

So here is the decision I have to make. Dropped a valve in the 1974 1.8. Have two options so far.

Buy a used 2.0 complete with FI from a 914 wrecked 3 weeks ago with approx. 5000 miles on rebuild. In a street driver built for (I think he said SCCA group B ???) class racing. Will find out more tomorrow. This engine is $2,000 with all FI and exhaust hedders and muffler. Can watch him remove it from car to insure all of the other connections go back right. (Car has 911 suspension, roll bars, all new rubber seals and supposedly a lot of other new parts that will be for sale. Will post info as I get it.)

Or

Have the 1.8 rebuilt at Steve Bradford Automotive, a small shop near Salinas CA. Heard that the owner was a 5 time dune buggy champ engine builder and once won a competition of fastest removal and reinstall (successful) of a VW engine. Talked to him today and he said he can do it for $1,800 give or take $50.00 and that includes removal and replacement. Kind of a neat guy to talk to.

So...What's your vote/advice. There is a lot of knowledge out there and I appreciate any offered.

Ken Schipper
kenschipper@hotmail.com
831-262-4222 work cell
831-622-9644

[3D914]

kenschipper,

I'm sure I won't be alone when I say "Do the Two!"

If the engine is fit - you won't regret it. I'm on my third 2.0 and they are definately the best of the four-bangers. Two have stock FI, and the first had carbs. THe DelOrto carbs were tough to keep balanced, but I hear the Webers are better. The FI runs strong, and is a little extra work, but the originality is worth it.

There are a couple of real good resources for info on maintaining the FI on the 2.0 as well. I've relied on them many a time.

Good luck,

[Wayne 962]

A 2.0L engine will increase the value of your car significantly over the 1.8L.

When I went looking, I didn't even bother looking at the ads for the 1.8s...

-Wayne

[rfoulds]

Take the 2.0!!!! who was the previous owner?

Others might have a different take but I would stay away from the shop you mentioned. You can e-mail me for reasons why, if you like.

rfoulds@hearst.com

[Zeke]

Ken, I'm interested in your comment about the rest of the car being parted out. Please follow up.

You might want to see the receipts on the motor to see what's in it. Find out about the heads as that is where the beef is. And obviously you know it was raced, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but something to consider. Otherwise, I'm with the rest; 2.0's are a good way to go.