1.7 Owners or Previous Owners ........ Opinions Needed Options

[Spoke]

I've not seen so much love for the 1.7/1.8L before. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

I still say go for a 2L.

However, if the chassis is in good shape, it may be worth starting with the 1.8L then upgrading to a larger displacement.

This of course, depends on your desire. Do you want to build/buy a bigger engine in a while? Or do you just want to drive the car?

If you just want to drive the car, then look for a 2L car.

If you would like to build a bigger engine, go for this one.

[Kaduku]

I've not seen so much love for the 1.7/1.8L before. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

I still say go for a 2L.

However, if the chassis is in good shape, it may be worth starting with the 1.8L then upgrading to a larger displacement.

This of course, depends on your desire. Do you want to build/buy a bigger engine in a while? Or do you just want to drive the car?

If you just want to drive the car, then look for a 2L car.

If you would like to build a bigger engine, go for this one.

I rather not build because that means spending boat load of money. Remember this will be my first Porsche 914 so I have not been able to compare it with anything else, so I would not know the differences other than what has been said in this forum.

I know the 2.0s are faster but I just want to cruise and look cool. I'm am just about 50 yrs-old and as long as the car can get me to 70-80 on the the freeway.

[914itis]

That shouldn't be a problem even if running on 3 cylinders (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Spoke]

I've owned a 1.7L, 1.8L, and 2.0L, all DJET. If I were looking for another 914, there is no way I would buy a 1.7L or 1.8L.

A 2L has about 40% more HP depending on your math. Again, if you want to drive the car, buy the best 2L you can find. If you want to build a nice engine, go for the best chassis.

You might like the 1.7L or 1.8L until you accelerate onto the freeway with your foot deep in the throttle making all kinds of noises behind you and you realize that you're holding up any run of the mill modern POS Kia or Cheby or Yugo behind you.

Sorry, not a fan of the 1.7L or 1.8L when you can have a 2L, or V8 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yikes.gif) .

Remember, there is no replacement for displacement.

[Porsche930dude]

just drive the damn thing and see if you can deal with it or not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[john_g]

just drive the damn thing and see if you can deal with it or not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

While I agree that the engine isn't that important (compared to rust issues) I would always hold out for a legit 2.0 with little rust, simply because it's more desirable and easier to sell if and when you decide to resell it. That 2.0 on the back panel makes a big difference, driving experience notwithstanding!

If you're positive you're going to keep it, though, then get whichever one is free of rust and in fairly sound mechanical condition. You'll spend a lot of time and money restoring/modifying it and can make it anything you like.

[Kaduku]

just drive the damn thing and see if you can deal with it or not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

While I agree that the engine isn't that important (compared to rust issues) I would always hold out for a legit 2.0 with little rust, simply because it's more desirable and easier to sell if and when you decide to resell it. That 2.0 on the back panel makes a big difference, driving experience notwithstanding!

If you're positive you're going to keep it, though, then get whichever one is free of rust and in fairly sound mechanical condition. You'll spend a lot of time and money restoring/modifying it and can make it anything you like.

I am positive that I am going to keep. I did promise the wife that this is the last toy I am buying (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

I could always just Put a 2.0 badge in the back (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[74914LE]

My suggestion based on having owned many different ones over the years, is to go with a solid chassis first, then make engine selection second. Repairing the Rust is much more costly than getting the stock engine replaced. A solid running 1.7 ltr. is lots of fun, and when tuned delivers great gas mileage. You can get as many tickets as you can afford in it, guaranteed.

Since you are dealing with a 1973 model year, you can shop around for a 2.0 ltr to swap out in the engine bay when it is time to rebuild. This will give you one of the most desirable 914 combinations. Having rebuild 1.7 to a 1.9, and having both F.I. and Carbs, it is best to keep things as stock as possible. If you want real power, contact Jake Raby, and follow his advice.

Enjoy the ride!

[euro911]

Never had a problem doing 90+ with a 1.7L ... I paid enough in fines to know.

2.0L is a little more grunty ... and on the long hill described it did 126 by GPS.

We took my wife's stock '71 1.7L on a Rt-66 run back in 2008. With over 100k on the odo, we still were able to peg the speedo with two people and a bunch of luggage in the car.

Engines are easy to find (or build). Good solid cars aren't as plentiful and sometimes the cost to repair rust will exceed the cost of an engine build.

A lot of guys on this forum will have a good 2.0L motor for sale after they do a 'six' conversion.

[Kaduku]

A lot of guys on this forum will have a good 2.0L motor for sale after they do a 'six' conversion.

Very reassuring!

[ThePaintedMan]

I dunno, I've never driven anything other than my tired 1.7 and I'm still madly in love with it. I did drive FourBlades' 2056, but not hard enough to really experience a difference. Don't get me wrong, I would love to find a 2.0, but I'm more happy I have a good, running CAR. If you get a solid chassis, like most everyone else said, you can swap to a 2.0 at one point or another. You're going to end up learning a lot on the 1.7 or 1.8 anyway, so by that point an engine swap will be a no-brainer!

That being said, anyone want to loan me a 2.0 so I can give a fairer opinion (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Kaduku]

I guess if I avoid driving a 2.0, I will be satisfied driving a 1.7 or 1.8 forever.

[JawjaPorsche]

I guess if I avoid driving a 2.0, I will be satisfied driving a 1.7 or 1.8 forever.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then......

[billh1963]

I guess if I avoid driving a 2.0, I will be satisfied driving a 1.7 or 1.8 forever.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then......

running against the wind, are you? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[old dog]

I have driven a few 2.0's and owned a 70 and 71. Both 1.7's were very capable. The 2.0 has a little more torque. I prefer the lighter chassis 70 & 71 and would still put rust free at the top of the list over anything else. 914's are about corners and versatility and I don't think anyone who has spent time with one would argue that point. Put the top down on a nice day and cruise down through Big Sur. You won't care what engine is in it. Listen to the "group", rust free, number one priority.

[ChrisFoley]

Its possible to have plenty of fun with a bone stock 1.7L engine behind you.
One only needs to learn how to use all the cornering potential of a 914.
That's me chasing the BMW in my 914, from the POV of a friend driving his Mazda 323.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zewyxZN5o


With a barely warmed over 1.8L (100hp), some suspension upgrades and slicks it gets even more exciting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aSeHAx7cW8

[ThePaintedMan]

Its possible to have plenty of fun with a bone stock 1.7L engine behind you.
One only needs to learn how to use all the cornering potential of a 914.
That's me chasing the BMW in my 914, from the POV of a friend driving his Mazda 323.

With a barely warmed over 1.8L (100hp), some suspension upgrades and slicks it gets even more exciting.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Look at Chris driving those guys crazy with a lot less horsepower and how stable his car (and driving) is compared to them. This is why I trust what he says. If you know what you're doing, a 1.7 can be plenty fast I believe. It depends on what you want.

Again, a 2.0 engine will take a lot less time to acquire or build than it will be to fix a bunch of rust. I did mine quick and dirty, knowing it would end up being just a track car, and I got into it knowing I wanted to learn metal work.

[Kaduku]

Chris, thanks for sharing those videos. That was pretty cool man!