2L vs 1800

[79cord]

Hi all,
Still rebuilding my '75 Beta coupe 1800, & since I have an abandoned '79 2L HPE parts car I was thinking of utilizing the newer bigger engine. But is it really better & should I retain some of the 1800 parts?
 The 1800 seemingly having been more highly tuned by the factory with its higher compression pistons (9.8:1vs8.9:1), different (more adjustable?) carburetor, longer exhaust manifolds (4-2-1) & lower gearing supposedly producing 120hp, early 2L being 119, dropping to 115hp in favor of torque by '79 with the addition of the electronic ignition distributor (guess I should look into the wiring for that too).
Any favored part combinations?
Are there other differences worthy of note.... Cams, valves,head porting, flywheel weight?

Obviously the 2l had a significantly revised crankcase, crank & rods to increase its stroke. & Lancia seemed to meander back & forth with distributor placement, mechanical/electric fuel pumps over the years.

[HFStuart]

I suppose it depends what you want to do with the engine. As a basis for tuning you can't argue with the 2L but if you're keeping stock then there's probably no great advantage.

Contemporary road tests said there wasn't that much between the 1.6 and the 2.0 with the 1.6 being the sweeter engine but obviously the 2L had more torque and a lazier delivery.

I'd be inclined to keep the 1.8 but with electronic ignition (which is pretty simple to fit) that way you can also keep the original bonnet.

Stuart

[rossocorsa]

when they went to 2 litre they significantly re-engineered the twin cam so many parts may not be compatible. In my opinion the 1600 is a sweet revving engine but lacking torque and the 2000 is plentiful on torque but rather gruff and unpleasant at higher revs (at least in carb. format). I've never driven an 1800 but generally accepted wisdom is that it is an excellent compromise between the two extremes

[WestonE]

This decision is all about the condition of the 2 engines as wear and low compression will take the edge off power. Which ever way you go use the electronic distributor with a relay feed from the ignition switch.

I favour the 2 litre and if you are going to re-build an engine use that one with a VX or Strada 105 /130 head on 2000 carb cams. The earlier Guy Croft book tells you about mix and match, but find new high compression pistons for the build they are worth it!

Enjoy

Eric

 

[75coupe]

I have an early Oz spec 1800 coupe, which i originally ran with the HC 1800 motor. It was OK, but not as rev hungry as the 1600 spyder and HPE I had owned in the UK which used to regularly see 7000RPM+. So I am one of the few who has driven 1600, 1800 and 2000 carb engines. To be honest the 1600 is the sweetest, 2000 torquiest, 1800 has neither big torque or big revs. I would go 2000 unless you want it original.

As a point of interest not all 1975 coupes have the 9.8:1 1800 engine. I have another later '75 coupe which has an 8.9:1 1800 engine, which is rated at 110 BHP.....Externally identical, you can tell by engine number. 1800 HC will start 828 AC, 1800 LC will start 828 A1

The 2 litre motor in Australian spec only puts out 110 BHP too, mainly due to the strangled exhaust manifold (single outlet 4 into 1 cast), all sorts of emmission controls and different carb, otherwise same as euro spec 2 litre.

I did the swap to 2 litre as it is a much torquier motor and has the potential for more power for $ spent.
The 2 litre is a taller engine, so you may have to fit the later 2 litre bonnet or different air filter to clear.
use the 2 litre gearbox as well, or use the 1800 but with 2 litre intermediate driveshaft. Do not use 1800 intermediate shaft with 2 litre motor, it will cause alignment issue with diff output shaft! 1800 carb and exhaust manifold will fit 2000, but check 1800 exhaust downpipes for length. Use electronic ignition it is easy to fit. I actually used 1800 pistons in my 2 litre for increased CR!

The 2 litre motor is transformed with twin carbs, a set of cams and HC pistons - 150+ BHP and likes revs too!

Good luck!