engine builder recommendation Options

[joef]

Hi

Im new to forums. Hopefully I do this one right

I acquired a 1970 914 1.7 FI from a good friend that passed away last year.

Its a bit rough! It sat from 2005, some of the time was in a garage and the rest outside.
Looking to have the motor rebuilt and wanted to hear from others on where to go. I prefer to stay in California but would consider outside of California

Id like to have 170-180 HP, and it be a turnkey motor

Thanks
Joe

[Dave_Darling]

170-180 HP is not going to be a cheap and easy build. Nor is it needed in the 914, IMHO. These cars were originally designed around an 80 HP motor, and had fairly minimal updates in the parts that cope with power. Plus they weigh very little.

I know from personal experience that 250 HP in a 914-6 is enough to give most people a "code brown" moment, and makes it very very difficult to keep the back end in back unless you have really wide tires.

These cars are fun with the stock power levels. They're more fun with the ~120 HP that is easy to get from a 2056cc motor. I think that over 150, they start getting a bit scary. Plus they start needing better brakes, better suspension, and so forth.

--DD