1.7 vs 2.0, which one to go Options

[Stef914]

Hi guys, still pretty new to 914's and still haven't found one ... but I'm currently looking at one model that I like and I'm ready to make an offer for it... tho I have a dilemma which I hope you guys can help me solve (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

A few weeks back I test drove a 2.0 and I remember it being pretty nippy on 1st, 2nd and up to speed ... today I test drove this 1.7 that I like, was cold and didn't want to abuse it , but I felt like the car was less powerful, which makes total sense being just a 1.7 but long story short, how much am I gonna miss those 20 hp difference ? Not planning on going racing or anything like that but just curious to hear your opinion and thoughts about this difference

Thank you

PS
It's a 1973 914 with two webber carbs and a modified ( louder ) muffler exhaust system

[ClayPerrine]

I would pick the one that has the least rust. It is far easier to replace the 1.7 engine with a 2.0 than it is to cut out and fix rust.

Good luck!

Clay

[JamesM]

I would pick the one that has the least rust. It is far easier to replace the 1.7 engine with a 2.0 than it is to cut out and fix rust.

Good luck!

Clay

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Get someone that knows these cars to check out the chassis and get the cleanest chassis and body you can find.

Interiors are no big deal to replace these days and if power is what you are after you will wind up replacing either of the motors anyways.

If it has carbs its already been modified, so who knows what has actually been done to it. Personally, I wont do carbs on a 914 but thats just me (and carbs are bolt on so thats no big deal) The California delivered (just California) '73 1.7s are the weakest motor ever put in a 914 and noticeably slower than the 2.0s. Non CA 1.7s are not to bad. If you are only noticing a minor difference between the two either the 1.7 has been modified, wasnt originally a CA car, or the 2.0 isnt running right.

I currently have both a stock injected 1.7 and a stock injected 2.0 and I enjoy them both (actually think i spend more time driving the 1.7 lately). Had a 73 CA 1.7 and it was a total dog on the onramps but still a fun car. When I want to go fast or autocross though I take my built 2056.

Bottom line, buy the cleanest chassis you can find/afford and just plan on making the rest of the car the way you want it down the line, engines are easy to swap.