How much power to expect from a 1911cc?

[andreic]

Hello fellow teeners,

I am debating between building from the ground up a 1.8L motor with the 96mm cylinders (bringing it up to 1911cc) or buying a running long block in good shape from a 2.0L. I will be running either engine with a dual Dellorto carb setup.

My question is what are the pros and cons? The cost of rebuilding would be about $1000 more over buying the 2.0L running engine.

-- I know the 2.0L makes 114 HP at the wheels (verified by dyno before removal); how much power can I expect a 1.8L upgraded to 1911cc to make?

-- which of these two engines will be more reliable? The 1911cc build would be with brand new AA cylinders (older, bought in 2006, but never installed), and with rebuilt heads of so-so quality. The 2.0L came from a car with 80k miles, all original, good running.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Andrei.

[andreic]

One more important question: if I go with a 2.0L, can I use the exhaust from my existing 1.8L? I know the engine tins will need to be changed. Anything else that needs changing?

Thanks,
Andrei.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The 1911cc engine could make anything from 70 HP to 120 HP, depending on a whole lot of different things. Cam, heads, valves, intake, exhaust--all will help or will limit the power. I'm a bit surprised to hear a 2.0 making 114 at the wheels; that is a pretty stout motor! Obviously non stock, presumably with an aggressive cam and higher compression.

Reliability is a tricky thing to evaluate. Depending on the quality of the work done, I'd think that the 1911 would be more reliable. After 80K miles, a 2.0 motor may be starting to get a bit tired. The heads are not known for being the strongest ones on the road, and they can be expensive to have fixed up properly.

You can interchange 914 exhausts freely, as long as you use the whole thing. So the 1.8 stuff will fit a 1911 or the pumped-up 2.0. The stock 75-76 exhaust is terrible, though, and should not be used. Especially on an engine that is more powerful than stock. The 70-73 1.7 exhaust (the 74 1.8 exhaust is effectively identical) will be better; the 73-74 2.0 exhaust even better. But to realize the full potential of a built-up motor, you will want an actual tuned header exhaust. The best is serious $$, but it is absolutely the best. Tangerine Racing in CT makes that.

--DD

[lorenzoscribe]

I had a 1911 built from a 1.7 block and heads at Jim's Custom VW shop. (much cheaper than a shop with "Porsche" on the door). Jim used an Eagle Cam, the 96 MM jugs with a 9:21 compression ratio and I added a set of 40 mm Weber IDF carbs. Jim estimated 105 to 110HP for the engine in this configuration. It ran well. Had good low end torque and revved quickly.

Your 1.8 should be a little more powerful since the valve sizes are larger. It should breathe better.

Larry Steckel