72 Engine "knocks" Options

[mikeatrpi]

I found a 72 914 1.7L that the owner is casually selling (he's not listing it in papers; it's parked in the back of a parking lot with a sign in the window). The owner describes the engine as "needing work" and making a "knocking sound." I haven't heard it run myself, but apparently it starts. What could this be, and how much to fix it?

The paint is silver but not shinny, body is straight with a little rust by the driver's rear bumper, and the top leaks. I haven't gone through Pelican's checklist for rust yet. Based on what I've told you, does $2k US sound fair? I'm looking for my first real project car.

Thank you for any advice you can provide!

-Mike

[Bleyseng]

"Knocks" like in a rod knock? I wouldn't pay $2k for a car that needs a engine rebuild. A 72 with how many miles? Even those engines cost $3-6k to rebuild correctly. I have heard of a supplier that carries the domed 90MM pistons finally.

Rust is under the battery tray, top of the long, under the rockers, behind the seats, in the trunks....this is what makes it a good project car, How much rust? It is very expensive and time consuming to fix the rust on the body so that determines the price.

If its not rusty, then determine if its "rod knock" by reving the motor. If it stays in time with the rpms then that probably what it is. Pinging is over advanced timing or bad gas which you should be able to tell under hard acceleration.

Geoff