1.8 to 2.0 engine conversion, What's required and tips for the job Options

[-JR-]

Hey guys, I'm a new 914 owner and have been a 914 "wanter" for some time. I bought a car that I knew needed engine work but it had a great body!

So now I am looking at the engine work and I am thinking up upgrading my EV case 1.8L engine to a 2.0.

I've never worked on a air cooled motor before and from what I gather this conversion is pretty straight forward. However, having said that I'm not convinced that it's as easy as just buying larger pistons and cylinders.

Can someone please spell out for me all the parts that are different from a 1.8 to a 2.0L engine if there isn't too much? I'd really appreciate it!

I did search the forum and didn't find any topic covering this.


-JR-

[McMark]

Building a 1911 would be the cheap route. You could leave the bottom end together, but as you mentioned, the cam is unknown. It's most likely stock. It's not a very good cam for carbs, but it'll still work fairly well. You're probably looking at about $1000 for new pistons and cylinders and some head work (new guides, etc).

If you want to do a 2.0 it's probably best to do a 2056. That's 96mm pistons instead of 94mm. Because you'd have to buy the crank and rods (you can't use the 1.8 rods) and because you'll have to split the case which means a new cam it'll probably run you $2500 to $3000 for that upgrade.

So the 1911 is the cheap easy route because it's just new pistons and cylinders and rebuilt heads. It'll be a blast. Add a cam and really fly.