Thoughts: AA Piston and Cylinder Big Bore Kits for 1.7L

[jworrell]

I need some assistance. I've "inherited" a 1973 914 1.7L. I'm contemplating the AA Performance 96mm Piston Cylinder Kit for 1.7 & 1.8 Case. I've been told by my local Porsche shop that some of these kits are from China and that the quality is suspect, although he couldn't say on the AA set (and while I appreciate the LN recommendation, I'm not looking to spend $2000 right now).

This is not a big-budget refresh (saving that for another few years and a Raby engine)...is this kit suitable for a daily driver car until major refresh in 4-5 years?

Thanks!
A newbie

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Is it for the 1.7 heads or the 1.8 heads? The registers in the 1.7 heads are smaller than those in the 1.8 and 2.0 heads, so the outer diameter of the cylinder is smaller to fit them. This leads to issues with roundness and durability.

The 1.7 heads can be flycut to fit 1.8 cylinders, and therefore the 96es that go with a 1.8.

The AA P&C sets are Chinese, and quality varies. Have them checked carefully. From what I hear, they at least are willing to take back ones that do not measure up. (Though last I heard was a while back, not sure if they still do that gracefully.)

Just a note: AA in this case does not have anything to do with a certain retailer of 914 parts in Georgia.

--DD

[jworrell]

...from the original motor, so 1.7L heads...

I understand that I'll have to have them flycut...can you recommend a good machine shop, preferably in the SE? I'm in Birmingham, AL and make frequent trips over to Atlanta. I'm new to working on air-cooled motors (small block Ford guy) and I'm doing this as a project car with my father-in-law...I'm assuming whoever is doing the head work can evaluate the cylinders/pistons for me?

Thanks!

[blitzer]

Len Hoffman is in Athens, you can't do any better than him.

HAM

Jake sells quality p & c kits at a reasonable price, try the type IV store.

[jworrell]

Blitzer, thanks for the heads up...I've got family in Loganville...nice 914!

[jess p]

I bought a set off ebay for my 2.0L. High quality and checked out good.

[brettm69]

I would stay away from the AA's and go with KB

Brett