1.7l modifications Options

[jdlmodelt]

What can I do to my 1972 1.7l to get as much HP as my stock 1976 2.0l?

[Tom_T]

`72 1.7 = 80 HP

`75-76 GC 2.0 = 88 HP

Low budget, medium, high, unlimited?

Going to a freer breathing 2.0 SS Exhaust/HE & Muffler will damn near gain that 10% 8 HP alone! ..& that SS exhaust will last longer than the rest of the car.

Now a 73-74 GA 2.0 is 95 HP (100 with Euro heads), so that's more the transplant that they're talking about. But if you're going to transplant a T4 motor into your 72 /4, then why not for for the gold with either an up-build of your 1.7 to 1.9 or 2056, or a 2.0 built to 2056 - 2270, etc. for 110-145+ HP?

Check McMark/Original Customs, Raby's MassIVe (if he's still messing with 914 motors, or FAT Performance here in Orange CA.

However, if yours is a fairly original & pristine 72 914/4, then I'd stick close to original & only tweak with the 2.0 SS HE's & muffler, saving your 1.7 system for originality if needed by you or future owner.

PS - an aftermarket K&N stock filter in the OE oil bath filter air box, or aftermarket-style snorkel & cone filter, can improve airflow on the intake side too for another few HP, and again the OE oil bath filter/box can be retained for future return to stock OE if pristine. Between the K&N + 2.0 SS HE/exhaust you should easily make or beat another 8 HP.