CIS injection question
 

Does the CIS fuel system have any similarities to the later VW air cooled vehicles, like the early '80s Transporter and their ilk? I am just referring to how it works and that sort of thing, and not comparing my dad's old Westfalia to someone's SC.

I believe the answer is yes. The first time I ever got into my CIS, I used my buddies Bosch repair manual. It had notes on lots of different small variations depending on the car. I believe it was very widely used from the mid 70's to mid 80's.

Parts interchange is another issue. I'm not sure about that.

I wouldn't expect parts interchangeability, but rather basic operational concepts. I am mostly curious in that some complain about CIS reliability and such, but my dad's VW was very reliable and bulletproof. Well, except for the exhaust system...

I'm not a CIS fan, but it is realiable for what it does. However, it is not a performance induction system and the parts are very pricey. Therefore, when given the choice between CIS and anything else, many go for the latter. Just check out the success of PMO.

A really good book to get is "How to tune and modify Bosch fuel injection" by Ben Watson. It covers D, L, LH, K and KE-Jetronic systems. The K and KE-jetronic, which is typical for the 911 was also used on Mercedes, Audi, BMW,Saab,VW and Volvo. All these range from 1973 to 1979 year models for the K. The KE implemented the lambda (O2) sensor and was used on all those same cars from 1980 thru 1985 or so, depending on the model. CIS works well, if in good shape and tuned properly. Not the choice for high performance, but for good performance, dependable starting, etc.

regards,

al

The system on the vanagons of the early 80's was the L-jetronic which is not like the CIS. The vanagon had injectors that fired by electrical impulses sequentially, unlike the continuous injection of the CIS. Pressures were lower but suseptibility to air leaks was just as likely as CIS. CIS is mechanical whereas L-jetronic is electrical. In short, the two systems are more different than alike in the sense of trying to compare operation, but they are similar in their reliance on air flow, air temperature and air density, as well as being a multi-port delivery system.