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Re: [T3] Conversion question


On 21 Sep 2001, at 23:32, Jim wrote:

> I have a '69 squareback that is Fuel Injected and am wondering what is
> involved in swithching it over to a duel carb setup and is it worth
> it? Right now I have a few bugs to work out as it runs like crap with
> the FI setup. 

You can go either way, but neither choice will be simple or easy. 
Both options have daunting learning curves.   

Converting to carbs costs a medium sized bundle up front, plus 
you are guaranteed to need a lot of tuning and adjusting of jets 
because the sets you can buy in the aftermarket will not likely be 
jetted properly for your engine when you get them, in spite of what 
the people who sell them to you will say. There is also the problem 
of even FINDING a good source of jets in various sizes these days, 
and of getting all the parts that you really need to install the 
conversion.  

Carbs will give you good performance with poor emissions. If you 
live in CA, you should not consider this option.  

Another thing to consider about a carb conversion is that you will 
not likely be able to get straight answers about things like what 
your timing should be, because you are likely to have a slightly 
different collection of parts from everyone else here.

Diagnosing and repairing your FI requires that you study the 
system and spend time asking questions here. You are unlikely to 
find someone near you to help, because these systems are pretty 
old now. Once you find the problem, some parts are certainly 
expensive if bought new, but there are good sources of used 
replacements here on this list. MOST FI problems can be fixed 
rather cheaply. The expensive parts are seldom needed.     

It's also important to understand that many problems initially 
blamed on the FI are eventually traced to some other system, like 
the engine, the ignition, or the gas tank, which would have affected 
a carb conversion, too.    

I should make it clear that I am a proponent for FI. My suggestion 
would be to start down that road first. Either way, the first thing to 
do is to learn how to do a good complete tuneup and do it. Make 
sure the valves and timing are adjusted right and that the advance 
mechanisms are working right. Then check the compression.

Finally, in defence of the FI. Once you get it in good shape it will 
be more reliable and smooth under all conditions that a carb 
conversion.

-
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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