Need Engine rebuilding advice, 1.7 top end bad, need some options Options

[brandomc]

Hi Everyone, I am needing some advice for what i should do with my engine. I have a 72 1.7 Fi motor with 80k on it at least. The previous owner said that he put all new seals in it and ignition components, but as far as i can tell he did nothing. He also said that it just needed a valve job on the passenger side cylinder head. Also a big lie. when i tested compresson on the engine "after buying it" i found 0 compression on Cyl # 4. I decided to let a volkswalgon mechanic i know work on it since i thought all it needed was a valve seat or something like that replaced. Oh yeah, the engine did run, but not well. Anyways, the mechanic calls me over and shows me the carnige of my top end.


It isnt too bad i guess, but the head, piston and cylinder are shot on #4. The mechanic says that he will pull the pistons and cylinders and use his extensive knowlege of the engines to determine if the bottom end is good or not without disasembling. He did that and told me that the bottom end seems solid and he couldn't see anything wrong with it. He then said that he could get all the new parts for my top end for 1500+ 2000 for labor. I feel that it is worth it to do the labor myself and i know im quite capable, i just need to know the best option for parts, or if i should just start from scratch and build a "biger" engine. Does Raby have any top end kits for something like this? Any advice is appreciated.

[brandomc]

Thanks guys, these are great replys. I didnt feel like throwing all that money at the top end without doing the bottom too, that just isnt' like me to half ass something so important. Im just trying to get all the ideas i can. So does Jake Raby have a complete 1911 kit i can use? Im in burbank, anyone in my area that is recommended for machining? It is hard for me to find time to research all this since im working 2 jobs and dont get home till late usually. I really want this car on the road!!!

[Chris Pincetich]

I really want this car on the road!!!

Here's what I did, totally different route, suggested by local 914 mechanic.
Get a used, off-the-shelf 1.7 motor with a 90 day warranty. 3 years ago the 2.0 cost $1800 and the 1.7 cost $450. I got mine from EASY and I got lucky, have 3 years of driving and AX racin on it, maybe 20k with only one valve adjustment and frequent oil changes. Stock D-jet retained.

If you have skills, you can swap the engines in a day or weekend. Drive it hard for 2 months, and bring it back if it is no good. You may be able to keep your core and work on it too!
Good luck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[brandomc]

"Here's what I did, totally different route, suggested by local 914 mechanic.
Get a used, off-the-shelf 1.7 motor with a 90 day warranty. 3 years ago the 2.0 cost $1800 and the 1.7 cost $450. I got mine from EASY and I got lucky, have 3 years of driving and AX racin on it, maybe 20k with only one valve adjustment and frequent oil changes. Stock D-jet retained. "

Who, or What is EASY?? I have heard of somewhere in SO CAL that i can get these engines used, but never have been able to get details. I would like to drive it and build a bigger engine at the same time. Or just drive it and work on one of my other 5 cars. "i am in love with this one right now though"