Engine build suggestions, Engine suggestions Options

[brooks944]

Hi, great to see the world back! I have a 74 with a 1.8 that was rebuilt with a Webcam, 96mm cylinders an 40 webers. The car has never been right and rich to the point of washing the cylinders. The engine has been out, back in and still not right. My trusted shop thinks it’s a timing issue as well as another local shop who is well known as a 914 pro. I am pretty confident it’s not a carb issue, lots of jet and even other carbs have been tried.

My question is the shop with the car has a 2.0l GA motor that another customer gave him on some other work that’s been in storage. Instead of continuing to struggle with the 1.8, should we use the 2l (assuming it’s a good case, etc), my cylinders and cam to build a 2056? Should match the carbs, but look forward to your input and suggestions.

Thanks,
Rick

[VaccaRabite]

There is a lot going on in this thread.

Your 1.8 isn't a 1.8. It is a built 1911 that is making more power (if it was built with ANY skill) then ANY stock 2.0. You have some seriously basic stuff to check that has to be addressed before considering going to a 2L engine making less power (like 20HP less) then the one you currently have.

1) Have you done a compression test yet - what are your numbers for all 4 cylinders. YOU CAN DO THIS, and you should because your mechanic is suspect and buying a boat with your car right now.
2) Do you know the compression ratio/deck height/or any of the build specs on the 1911? This is very handy, but not critical. It will help a good deal with choosing the right fuel and addressing cooling issues you may have.
3) USE A PRESSURE REGULTOR, set your pressure for 3PSI, watch your over fueling issues go away. Seriously, any mech that you not tell you to do this is not one I would trust.

Again, DO NOT get a stock 2L and install it or build it until you understand what you currently have. Even if you build the 2.0 into a 2056, you are likely to have the same power as the 1911, or under 10HP more - and you are going to spend $15K having a shop build it for you.

Do not even THINK about it until you have compression test results that you have done yourself. (spark plugs pulled out, engine warm, throttle wide open). If your compression test sucks then just do a top end rebuild on your current engine - which (if it needs anything) likely just needs to be honed and re-ringed due to your mechanic telling you not to use a pressure regulator.

Good luck!

Zach