Member intro/pictures/Questions!, Introducing myself, showing my car, and asking for advice Options

[B3owulf]

Hello all, first post here. Been a member for a while but could not post for some reason. Its working now so here goes!

I have a 1973 I bought as a rolling chassis and pile of parts. It has a 1.7 engine and has been 5-lug converted. Been working on and off for about 6 months and having a lot of fun. So far have done a bit of rust repair, sent it off for paint, and started re-assembling. Pictures are below, also looking for a bit of advice.

About to put it on hold for about nine months (Im in the US Army and will be deploying) and plan on ordering engine parts so I can hopefully get it running on post deployment leave. which means I need to decide which course of action to take:

COA 1 - Approximately $1,000-$1200. Get the current 1.7 running and install as is - need to get the webers rebuilt or replaced, need ignition system, some fuel system components and a flywheel. Issue being 70hp will be way to slow.

COA 2 - Approximately $4000-$5,000. Build a larger four cylinder (2.2L-2.4L) shooting for 130-140 hp and have fun. Seems like a good possibility and is in the lead so far but I am concerned about the quality of the parts out there. Almost everything I find seems to be made in china.

COA 3 - Approximately $10000 (?) try doing a 6 cylinder swap. This is what I WANT to do but not sure how realistic $10k is to get it done. Advantage being a good running sorted out 6 cylinder will be worth a lot more and with 9 months of tax free income it is a great time to do it (maybe now or never type of thing)

Anyway looking for some advice from the experts and any input you might have. Thanks!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.ibb.co-25879-1655171221.1.jpg)
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(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.ibb.co-25879-1655171223.4.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.ibb.co-25879-1655171223.5.jpg)
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[BeatNavy]

I agree with Andy. Put some miles on the 1.7L before you start spending money. I started with 1.7L, went to two different 2056's, and now have a 2.3. It does get more expensive as you go, and I have probably put any plans for a six on hold for now.

From reading other people's experiences here, the most cost effective 2056 these days may be what FAT offers turn-key. You can also build one, but figure $2.5 to over $5K in parts alone, depending on what parts you recycle or select.

Anyway, great looking car, and your son is very cute although he doesn't look very productive at the moment -- put a wrench in his hand (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Good luck and stay safe, soldier.