engine woes, engine rebuild Options

[arkitect]

New to this, first post.

Trying to get some opinions on an engine rebuild. I've got a 70 914 with the engine in pieces....should I try to get the parts - pistons, rings, bearings ect. or try to find a good used motor. Assuming it's a 1.7.

I know, this is a pretty loaded question.

[VaccaRabite]

Unless you are trying to keep the car as stock (like for concourse usage) I would not rebuild a 1.7. I would, however, take many of the 1.7 parts and build a 1911 motor by bumping the pistons and cylinders to 96mm. As long as you don't bump up the CR, you will be able to keep using D-Jet, have a stock looking motor - but jump from ~80 HP to about ~110 HP.

You would still need to refresh the same things that you would refresh if you were rebuilding stock - bearings, heads, cam, etc. You would also need to get the 1.7 heads cut to accept 96mm cylinders. Obviously you would need to buy new pistons and cylinders.

Since the 1911 does not change stroke, you can use the stock crank and rods you already have. Though if the crank needs to be cut down due to wear, it might be cheaper to source a new one due to $$$ bearing costs. But that would be the case if you went stock or not.

Its just another option, if you are interested in rebuilding a motor.

My issue with using used engines is that you have no idea if its going to even work until you put it in the car and try it. And if it works, you have no idea how long its going to work. Build your own, and you know exactly whats in it and what has been done.

Zach