Bad rings in Cylinder 3, 1.7 Build up to 1911cc motor Options

[Alphaogre]

I spent Saturday adjusting the valves, only to have it continue to run funky. I was driving home from the Laguna Beach concourse a few weeks ago, and had some sputtering/ back firing out the carbs and loss of power. Figured the valves and some other stuff needed to get adjusted and looked at.

Anyway...we did a pressure test on 3 and 4. 4 did fine, showed 50 pounds. 3 had no pressure, we put some oil down in the piston then 3 jumped up to 75 pounds. We did not get bypass air out the exhaust or up the carb when we rolled it in gear....We did feel the air pressure coming up through the oil fill neck...

When I first got the car and pulled the motor we did not strip it down all the way to the pistons, so I guess now is the time. The car is a 1970 914-4 1.7. The current set up, which was on the car when I bought it, is a dual 44 webber carb set up. Not sure how much were has been done to the heads, but when we took a look at the intake portion, it defiantly was not 40 years old. They seem to somewhat ported and were clean.

I have no info on the motor, as I bought the car as a never started project, and the previous owner did the same thing from the guy before him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) So all I have is hearsay and no receipts or anything.

The question now is.... do I pull the motor down to the pistons and just re do the rings and put it all back, OR time for upgrades! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

I use the car once or twice a week to dive to work or just cruz around. I do drive with fervor, and have been starting to do some AX and Time trial stuff (strictly for fun, not competitive). I would like some more ummmmfffff but still reliable to do the longer road trips i.e. the WCR and or some vintage rallies.

I know there is the great debate regarding the 1.7 core vs. 2.0 core, but I would like to retain the case, and heads if possible. Maybe use the $ on the Pistons, jugs, and cam? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Any impute, point in any direction, or recommendations would be great! I would like to keep the cost to around $1000 to $1500 if possible. I would be doing the work and have a mechanic friend of mine to help, so all funds would go to parts.