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RE: [T3] FI for Carbs


On 26 Feb 2004 at 15:29, Schlegel, Richard wrote:

> Here are a few reasons keeping in mind I am new to this FI VW stuff:
> Fire hazard, More HP?, Looks better, FI hose is expensive!, After buying
> the hose ($30.00 w/clamps) we find out I Need to replace the injectors @
> 45 bucks a pop to replace a 2" piece of hose! For another $200.00 we
> bought a new dual carb kit. Shall I go on? :-) Anyone else have reasons
> why we should or should not do the swap? Just curious,

Fire hazard is real, but only if you don't replace the hoses. Since you've 
already looked into this it sounds like this one is covered. Carbed cars can 
have engine fires, too, but I agree that the hoses are much less stressed at 4 
psi.

More HP? Is this something your daughter has asked for? Besides, without an 
increase in displacement the HP to be gained is marginal, at best. Upping the 
displacement can certainly be done, but they we're no longer talking hundreds 
of $, more like thousands.

Modern cars run FI systems at 60+ psi, so they need fancy hose. Our systems run 
at 30 psi, so standard hose is fine. Standard 5/16" fuel hose is rated for 50 
psi, is readily available, and is the perfect size for our systems.

Engine access is MUCH easier and cleaner with FI than with carbs. Many people 
remove the carbs in order to service the front spark plugs. This is not 
necessary with the FI.

The 2" length of hose can just be replaced with a 2" piece of hose. You DO have 
to figure out how to cut off the crimp ferrule, however. This would be no 
problem to someone willing to face up to a swap to carbs. ($45 injectors are 
likely to be junk, BTW.)  

All the repairs you might have to do to a FI system should cost you less than 
$100, but you might have to ask here first to find out the most cost effective 
way to do it.

Once you swap on a pair of carbs, you will then have all the fun of trying to 
get the jetting right so that the car runs well. Have you checked to make sure 
that the place you bought the carbs from offers a full line of jets and how 
much a reasonable double set of jets for testing would cost? Most people who go 
this route either spend 6 months or so getting the jetting right, or just set 
them really rich and ignore the problem. The latter approach usually results in 
rapid engine (piston ring and cylinder) wear.  

I don't think a converted car can pass Cal vehicle inspections. That's every 2 
years; is that right?

Need I go on....   ;-)

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

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