73 1.7 performance question..

[KAS.750]

As an owner of reputedly the worst performing 914 model I think its more than adequate with lots of meaty mid range that helps you get along nicely without having to thrash your car.I think lots of reviews are based on contemporary road tests which is not so relevant for a classic car.For me it's more than enough.Thoughts?

[smallspeed]

I’ve recently been wrestling with the question “what is enough” as I’m building a type 4 engine for a 356 coupe rep. I keep flitting between 2056cc and 2270..
Really struggle to get an appreciation for how fast / slow certain engine specs might be from t’internet

[Dean.s]

I've a fair bit of experience eith various size type 1 motors but this type 4 1.7 i have sounds pretty beefy. I hope to drive it (just around the block) 1st time next weekend.

With twin 40 idf's i'm thinking it shouldbe ok.

[Canarydelia]

I have a 1.8 on original fuel injection. Use the rev range and it is fine. My exhaust is more free flowing than standard so that may help. But the best thing I’ve done is change suspension to Bilstein shocks and replacing original springs at rear. The car is now a heap of fun, not so much straight line speed but being able to carry speed through tight corners and accelerating around roundabouts etc. It is most definitely the handling of this car that makes it so brilliant. Yes, I’d like a 2.0 and the sound of the six, but really, smiles per mile mine really does deliver the goods. My Martini stripes and livery have obviously also given it a speed boost

[LMR]

I have driven the Canarydelia 914, and that convinced me to rebuild my 1.7 using light mods rather than go for a large capacity. I will go to 1.9 litre as my pistons and barrels are past their prime. As said in post above, use the rev range - I can confirm, it is jolly good fun

[KAS.750]

I have driven the Canarydelia 914, and that convinced me to rebuild my 1.7 using light mods rather than go for a large capacity. I will go to 1.9 litre as my pistons and barrels are past their prime. As said in post above, use the rev range - I can confirm, it is jolly good fun

The 1.9 conversion sounds interesting.

[jackstowers]

I have driven the Canarydelia 914, and that convinced me to rebuild my 1.7 using light mods rather than go for a large capacity. I will go to 1.9 litre as my pistons and barrels are past their prime. As said in post above, use the rev range - I can confirm, it is jolly good fun

The 1.9 conversion sounds interesting.

The 1911cc conversion for a 1.8 is very straight forward. With the 1.7 the heads will need machining to accept the new barrel. The piston and barrel sets are readily available starting around £300 and a couple of weekends work

[KAS.750]

I have driven the Canarydelia 914, and that convinced me to rebuild my 1.7 using light mods rather than go for a large capacity. I will go to 1.9 litre as my pistons and barrels are past their prime. As said in post above, use the rev range - I can confirm, it is jolly good fun

The 1.9 conversion sounds interesting.

The 1911cc conversion for a 1.8 is very straight forward. With the 1.7 the heads will need machining to accept the new barrel. The piston and barrel sets are readily available starting around £300 and a couple of weekends work

Thanks for that

[LMR]

I drove Canarydelia's car again today, and it confirmed my last comment that there is more than enough power to have fun with the smaller capacity.