If you had a choice

[seabeelt]

If you had a choice, which engine would you run in a 71? I'll leave the question open ended in reference to authenticity and so forth. Here are my choices. Rebuild the 1608 (high compression pistons or no), install the 1800 intake and carb and 4-2-1 exhaust, option 2 install the 1800 with no mods other than the 4-2-1 exhaust, ( can do this now), option 3 refurb a 2000, install the 1800 head, intake and carb, or a combination of the options so I can drive it now?

[Europa]

Disclaimer: I have a Fuel Injected '83.

Given your choices, I'd go with the 1608, HC pistons, 4-2-1 exhaust and a very good carb setup (can't help you there).

[So Cal Mark]

I'd build the 2L

[thechadzone]

I've run a 2.0 with 1.8 liter head, 1.8 Single Plane intake, and 4 into 2 exhaust manifold in my '69 Spider before and I really liked the combo. I ran a Weber DFEV with it. It'd easily spin the tires, and top 100 without much of a fuss. Using the accelerator to steer through turns is really fun with this set-up. However I just had to install a factory IDF manifold & fab up a crazy linkage to actuate the carbs. It was a great upgrade, but I ran into reliability problems and felt like the set-up was too complicated for me. I'm now going back to the single Weber.

For overall satisfaction I'd go with the above set-up on a single aftermarket Weber carb. I've owned & driven the 1.6 and the 1.8 motors, and was happy with each of them. HC pistons for the 1608 might be hard to find, but if you've got a source for them, the compression boost multiplies the benefits of most of what you'd do to that motor. The 1608 might also agree better with your car's early diff ratio.

[vandor]

You said the 1800 runs? Install it now so you can drive it and enjoy it, and in the meanwhile rebuild the 2000.

[Danno]

Option 3

[spiderrey]

2 liter with 1800 head, no brainer. Had a 1608 with webers and headers before.

[Fi8spider]

If I had a choice, I'd choose torque, option 3.

[Zippy]

You said the 1800 runs? Install it now so you can drive it and enjoy it, and in the meanwhile rebuild the 2000.

I agree, I would get it running now and then build the motor I wanted as time and funds permit. Of course if you can get the 2 liter built and installed just as fast I would do that. As far as authenticity, the only thing I would want to do is maintain the flat hood.

[Weelan]

Wouldn't he need the 1800's head for building the 2000? I'd say run the 1800 as is as long as you can while building up the 2L, you should be able to run the 1800 until you need the head and intake which should be somewhat near the end of assembly at least.

[seabeelt]

So many choices can someone explain the difference between the short block and long block? For reference i have the engine from the 79 - unknown condition and miles, but it turns freely, also have the engine from the 81 (supposedly ran when i got it for parts) 80k miles and turns freely, for my 2L options. Just thinking of engine bay space.
R/

sometimes I need to think before I start writing these things; I just remembered the answer to my own question. Short block=no head, long block =with head Nothing to do with length. This is what happens when you work with dimensions all day, my frame of reference is stuck with my job mindset, not the car.

Anyways keep the comments coming, I enjoy the discussion and opinions and personal experiences with the different builds available

[Danno]

here's a couple of engines from Matt Brannon, he has a long and a short, these are pretty indicative of whats included when you are talking about the differences.
http://marketplaceadvisor.channeladviso ... 7&c=192674

let me know if that link doesn't work and I'll explain with words!

[seabeelt]

Are there any obstacles with installing the 1800 or 2000 in order to maintain the flat hood? Definitely want to keep that look.

[Danno]

wait for someone more knowledgeable to reply, but I think there are air cleaner issues with the 2L and a flat hood. Or maybe that's distributor? Or maybe it's both? LoL, see? Wait for someone smarter...

[narfire]

perhaps I shouldn't be popping off as I'm not 100% sure, but with the 2 L block, you might have to source a 79 or later cross member as the oil pan I think is deeper,maybe higher engine mounts might give the clearance but then the flat hood might be an issue. block is taller of course. I believe there is someone here that has done the 2L into an early car.
Yeup, just checked the pan on a 2L block on a stand is about 5 3/4 inches and the pan on a 1608 I have is about 5 inches.