914 -engine sizes- fit/wont fit???, Technical HELLLlpPPP Options

[Boldylocks]

First, I'm the owner of a 73 914 with a 1.7 liter engine that has bent/broken intake valves. I'm not a mechanic, but the cost to repair this part seems to be as much, if not more, than finding a running engine and putting it into the car.
With that said:

Can I 'drop' any 914 engine into the car??? 1.8 -2.0??

Is the mechanic correct, will it cost me nearly the same amount to simply find (FAR FROM SIMPLE) a running engine and have it put in the car???

Can I 'drop' any of the larger engines into the car without any problems???

___ next level questions_____

Anyone with any ideas of the causes for a 'big bore' engine to RUN HOT . there is no thermostat connected to the engine and after about an hour of running it starts heading into the red zone.

-for direct contact: Rfranklin@price-entities.com -during the day (pacific time), Riccif@cts.com -at night.

I would really really appreciate anyones help/response. I'm always greatful to this board and point eveyone I know in its direction. My current 914 was purchase after many hours of discussion on this board and it is a gem. The ENGINE was damaged due to mandatory driving on the face of the MOON in order to get to work for nearly 3 months (streets on my way to work -were pothole infested- caused serious damage to exhaust/engine -though again, according to what I have learned I simply have an 'intake valve -bent/broken' issue).

[Boldylocks]

Pics of the new and old machine will be posted shortly. Not too proud of the 2.0 liter- I never managed to get it painted, though it ran like a horse for over 3 years with one big problem -LOL- trigger points needed replacing-.
I ran the car lean for no particular reason, interestingly, I ran the car under a variety of bizzare conditions and was simply lucky -the engine was charmed I'm sure-.

I'm leaning towards any 4 I can find, most 6 engines out there need additional -serious- work and that is what I'm trying to avoid. The car is a daily runner -taking me less than 10 miles to and from work. So, a 'good' 4 engine is all I need while I save up to increase the inner need for bigger and better -speed-.

The new guy - the car in need of a new heart- Is red with a strange 'mullet like' fin on the trunk -not its best feature. Its lowered -by the previous owner- and has a sunroof in the targa top -neat feature for guys with girls who pray to their hair-.

I tend to learn a lot from this group: 1) I'm not a mechanic, and dont know if I ever will be. 2) I'm not crazy, the 914 is a lovable, original, son-of-a-german, and 3)a dying breed.

I'm leaning towards two engines out there right now: both are carburated -which will be new -I'm used to the fuel injected models, and one has been big bore kitted- the owner said it 'runs hot -near red zone hot- after an hour -which doesnt sound disheartening to me -sounds like some tweaking is needed.

I'm looking forward to any other ideas the group may have regarding the whole heat issue. In otherwords -give me the worse case scenario, I can take it, dont forget, I had a green-machine, 2.0 liter baby that was MURDERED by an Ford Escort, and now I have a little 1.7 Liter in the hospital in need of a new heart.

By the way, the 1.7 liter engine will be ready for the hobbyist out there once I find a running 4 to replace it. I can let you speak with my mechanic to learn about any problems etc.