1.7 VS 1.8 Engine Rebuild .. Options

[Beakster]

Hi Guys .. I'm being told that it is better to rebuild a 1.8 to get more torque from the engine then rebuilding the 1.7 .. and even the 2.0 casing .. would love a 2.0 but they are getting harder to find .. Is this TRUE ... If I should look for a 1.8 then spend too much $$$ in my 1.7 .. What's your thoughts ... ???

[McMark]

All the engine cases are the same.

Cranks:
The 1.7 and 1.8 have the same 66mm stroke.
The 2.0 has a 71mm stroke.
You can purchase crankshafts with longer stroke, such as 78mm and 80mm. But these make the engine build more complicated.
Any of these cranks will fit in any engine case.

Pistons:
The 1.7 had 90mm pistons.
The 1.8 had 93mm pistons.
The 2.0 had 94mm pistons.
The MOST common rebuild option, for nearly ANY engine, is to install 96mm pistons. There's different versions for 66mm cranks and 71mm or larger cranks.

Heads:
Stock 1.7 heads shouldn't be used in an upgraded engine.
Stock 1.8 heads are okay, but really shouldn't be used in an upgraded engine.
Stock 2.0 heads shouldn't be rebuilt anymore.
AAPistons 2.0 replica heads should be purchased bare and built by someone knowledgeable. (skimp on other parts and spend money here if you're on a budget)


But here's the real questions...
What do you have now?
What are you trying to accomplish?
What's your budget?