Re: FI

["Curtis N. Dilday" <cdilday@mail.win.org>]

On Thu, 13 Feb 1997, Mark Hisey wrote:

> I am getting ready to have the engine rebuilt on my '71 square back.  
> 
> I would like some advice on whether I should keep the FI or convert it 
> to carburetor. Dependability is of primary concern to me, as this will 
> also have to be my dailey driver.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
That's a tough call.  I believe the fi system for the typeIII is the best 
feul delivery system ever developed for the VW air cooled engine.  It's 
relatively simple due to it's mostly mechanical design, unlike later type 
4 designs.  If your system is working fine now, and you feel confidant 
enough about your mechanical abilities, I'd keep it and take the time to 
learn as much about it as I could.  Carry spare components and scrounge 
extra parts when you can.  Be prepared!  If your system isn't working 
well, then you are no doubt aquainted with the Dark Side of FI:  all 
theses systems are very old, buggy, expensive, and at times frustrating 
enough to turn Mr. Rodgers into a screaming bug-eyed intake manifold 
hurling lunatic.  If you choose carbs, you'll have fewer components to 
break, and therefore fewer breakdowns, at least due to fuel delivery failure.
Get duals if you have a squareback.  The single progressive approach works,
and it's cheaper, but the carb sticks up higher than your engine cover 
and you'll have to cut a hole and install a tubby cover to make it fit.
Not so big a deal in a fastback where you can't see it, but in a square it's
hideous and in the way.  To convert to duals is more expensive, budget 
at least $400 for that if you buy new.  GET HEX BAR LINKAGE!  If you have an 
automatic, you'll need a mechanical distributor as the vaccum circuits 
will be needed to regulate the transmission.  Replacing the feul pump is 
pretty straight forward.  Get a high volume low pressure electric pump so 
when you get vapor lock on hot days, you can just turn the key on to re-fill 
the carbs instead of crank-crank-crank.  Save all your old FI parts.  
Working control modules and fuel pumps are good for swapping.  I 
converted to duals some time ago and have had no problems.

I'm looking forward to a lot of spirited debate on this topic!

Curt
70 sqare named "Betty"
75 Westy, also dual carbed