1.7 Rebuild First Start Up Advice, 1.7 Start Up on stand Options

[Robroe]

Have 73 1.7 bought in pieces. Engine has been rebuilt and ‘souped up’ however I don’t know what internals were installed. New crank, cam, pistons, rods and heads. but I don’t know which ones. Weber 44 idf carbs. Never had oil in it and been stored unstarted for 10 yrs in climate control. I’ve added oil by slow dripping 2 quarts through the oil pressure sensor hole. Oil dripped out of the rockers so I’m pretty sure it got some oil as pre lube. It’s on a home built test stand with the transmission mounted with the starter.

I’m trying to turn the engine over by hand with the plugs out. Have squirted oil in each plug hole. I’m able to turn the engine by hand about 45 degrees and it gets harder to spin so can’t go any further. Would it be a good idea to pull the rocker arms to see if the builder installed some wild cam without checking valve/piston clearance? It doesn’t feel like internals are hitting each other but who knows? Would hate to pull the heads if I don’t have to. Any thoughts before I break something?

Rob Roe
Newbie

[Jack Standz]

That is some very good news for you. Those heads represent many many hours of development by Len Hoffman and Jake Raby.

When setup right with proper valvetrain geometry and then the right tuning (ignition timing too), you should be in for some serious HP, but with cool running and longevity too. They come with really good parts too, like springs, valves, guides, retainers, and calling them "ported" doesn't do them justice to the development and time invested to get them to flow just right. And they are expensive.

You might have Nickies too. Maybe the rest of the motor is by RAT, but since it wasn't started, it's more likely a kit. But, that's still good news because RAT used very good parts. Parts that were matched to the motor and the intended purpose. So, since a 914 owner had it, it's unlikely a "camper" (bus) motor. All good news. Definitely want to make sure she's put together 100% right before you start her up.

Good luck! And, go out and buy a lottery ticket, OK.