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

[Dave_Darling]

The 96es will make for the 1911cc engine, not 1988. The 96es that fit into the recess in the 1.7 heads are super thin, and it's a much better idea to get the heads cut for the larger-diameter cylinders--the 96es made for 1.8s and 2.0s have much more meat on them.

I would be very tempted to just swap over the fuel pump and stick the carbs on and go. (Don't use a single carb setup, it works poorly on these motors.) It'll be very quick and very cheap, and you should know pretty early on if you really do need to open up the motor. Once you open it up, it gets very easy to spend big $$$$ on "while you're in there" items....

--DD