1.7 FI to carbs to install in a Bradley GT body, 9/15/09 update w/picts need an opinion from the experts Options

[jays914]

See additional pictues posted 9/15/09

Everyone,

I would like to know how much of a problem it would be to take 1.7 914 FI engine and convert it to a carbs to put into a Bradley GT project car. The body kit is an original 1976 model that was never put together. The Bradley was purchased by my cousin and I have the spare engine. The engine (in a barn for the last 15 years) will be torn down for inspection and parts replaced as needed.

Thought this would be a good way to reuse the 1.7 since most of the other comments I have heard or read for this type of engine were less than favorable.

Should the engine get a big bore kit, cam, dist, low pressure fuel pump? If so, does anyone have the required parts for the conversion? How much?

Thanks for your input!

Jays914

[VaccaRabite]

Thought this would be a good way to reuse the 1.7 since most of the other comments I have heard or read for this type of engine were less than favorable.

Should the engine get a big bore kit, cam, dist, low pressure fuel pump? If so, does anyone have the required parts for the conversion? How much?

Hi Jay, sounds like a cool project. Got any pictures of the kit?

if you have a 1.7, it is pretty easy to turn it into a 1911 using a lot of the parts you have on hand.

You will want a new cam, and you will need to have head work done by someone competent.

The 1911 used the stock 1.7 crank and case. Heads will need to be flycut to accept 96mm cylinders while they are checked out for cracks, seats and valves.

You will need to source 96mm pistons and cylinders. I used 2L cylinders and had them bored out to 96, and used 96mm Keith Black flat top pistons.

For the cam, you are going to want to change a lot of the valve train. You will have to cut new pushrods, you will need new lifters (that match the cam). You already have the desired 1.7 rockers, so it will be an easy move to go to the Elephant foot valve arms. Jake Raby's cam kits are pricey, but they will come with all the stuff you need, and he or Blake will work with you to choose the best cam grind for your application.

Or, you can call Web. Cheaper, and be sure to buy the matching lifters or cam life will be reduced.

All in all, figure probably around $2K-$3K to build the engine when you have accounted for head work, balancing, parts, etc.

OR. Call (okay, PM) McMark and ask about his $5K plug and play 2056. He builds it, you bolt it in. Its a pretty sweet deal.

Zach