'73T vs '73.5T...which would U choose?
 

i think i've caught the early car bug and i've found a car i really like but it's a '73.5 s/r no a/c. From reading this board and others,MFI, in spec and functioniong properly can't be beat. Since the '73.5 is CIS am i not more limited in options if i wanted to tweak it just a bit? Tia.

I have a CIS '73.5 T. I use it everyday, and like other CIS cars I've had, it's totally reliable and never seems to need any maintenance in relation to the CIS - also no idling problems or anything. I guess MFI car might need more attention, and some parts are pricey - as is CIS, I guess. Depends what you want it for, Summer weekend use or everyday, including Winter cold starts? An MFI car would probably be better for the former. Lots of people here are very anti CIS, and pro MFI, so I suspect my view might be a minority. But as someone who relies on a '73.5 everyday, in all weather, it seems really great and reliable - as should MFI. There's definitely less tweaks to be done with a CIS car, but a 3 litre SC engine (w/ CIS) should just drop in!

I have a 73.5 CIs and it has been quite bullet proof. Per what I have read you are somewhat limited in performance "improvements" due to the valve timing issues.

That said, the MFI system is great when it runs but these systenms are quite old and the old timers that know the nuances of maintaining them are slowly going away as is the stash of parts needed to keep these units tip top. Given the age of these systems, I choose to not go the MFI Route.

I guess it depends on what you feel you can totlerate in terms of parts cost, time to service etc. In any case, if you choose to get a MFI car, I would try to verify that you have a true MFI Guru in your area in case you need help.

Regards,

<b>MFI (early 2.4 'T') has it ALL over CIS for making better music!</b>

YES!

I agree with the music part...see my post "Wanting my CIS to sing!" However, I'm going to side with Saffs on the driveability/use-ability of CIS. If the fuel is clean (read: use good gas and change fuel filters often) and you've got a pop-off valve installed in the airbox you should have a very reliable and economical system. I drive my 73.5 T almost every day, regardless of weather and it hasn't let me down since I've owned it (five years). Are there better sounding, more tweak-able systems out there? Sure. But if you really like this car then I wouldn't let the CIS put you off. You'll spend less money swapping that out (if you so choose) than you would fixing up a not-so-nice MFI car.

If you do choose to buy an MFI car, be sure to get one that is tuned and running well, so you are sure you are getting something fully functional. I hear that if they are set up right they run well forever, but getting there can be a lot of work if something has gone awry.

To this day I still can't hold back the smile I get when I hear that MFI "ripping through matresses with a chainsaw" GROWL at WOT.

Oh, and noone has mentioned that MFI makes a mean looking engine compartment. CIS is oogly.

Edit: To answer your original question, MFI is not very easily reconfigured for engine modifications. You basically have to get the pump and throttle bodies rebuilt if you upgrade displacement etc, and you have a limited subset to work with to keep compatability with the pump space cam you choose. I don't know how CIS is modified. I think most people go with carbs.

Excuse the Fram filter. :)

All good comments here. One more thing to add. The 1973 1/2 T motor case is highly sought after - it is the only 7R (the better mag case) with the 2.0/2.2/2.4 cylinder spigots...

This info is in the new book, sick of me plugging it yet?

:)

-Wayne

....just to show you that you can have a nice looking engine compartment with CIS. OK, maybe Porsche went over the top on the black plastic, but it's clean!