73 1.7 Project, Engine Updates Options

[Robroe]

Bought a 80% done project. 1.7 engine has been rebuilt and lots of new goodies installed. However I don’t know what heads, and internals were installed. Engine has never had oil in it and looks like jewelry with dual Weber 44s, new heads and powder coated tins. I’m on a quest to learn what I can about this new engine. Other than the carbs, only other info I’ve found is a number 850910 stamped on the heads next to an intake port. Any recommendations on how to learn what I have without taking everything apart?

[technicalninja]

Carbs are WAY oversized for a 1.7.

Someone should know what was put in the engine during the rebuild (lots of goodies).

Find out what the goodies are.

There is not a good way to tell without a full tear down.

The cases ALL can be built into very large engines.

Those carbs are better suited for an engine of 2.2l or bigger.

Next place to look for hipo parts is under the valve covers.

Does it have solid bushings between the rocker arms or springs?

Does it have aluminum or steel pushrods?

Does it have valve adjustment screws with little swivels on them?

Does it have dual valve springs with nicely machined spring retainers?

Did it come with a serious header?

Separate straight stub pipes to each exhaust port?

Does it have a degreed fan for accurate timing adjustment?

All of those questions help determine how serious the builder was.

The carbs are suitable for a 150 hp+ application.

A big engine will have large venturis in those carbs. What is the ventiuri size?

That could be as big as 2600 CCs and it would be damned hard to tell if all of the sheet metal was on it.