Idle deceleration valve or something?

[deemsriddle]

I have a 1971 Porsche 914. It has a 2056 GA case 4 cylinder, Volvo valves, custom cams and Weber carbs. The engine runs well, but needs an idle deceleration valve like on the 2 liter fours from the 1973 and 1974 914s. Upon upshifting, the engine has fallen to idle and stumbles on upshift. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Deems

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The carbs do not have a good way to incorporate a decel valve like the fuel injection does. You may have to live with the issue, but it's possible that some combination of ignition timing and carb jetting could fix or at least reduce it. Do you have anyone local who is good with old-school aircooled VWs? Or at least good with multiple carb setups?

The first step, though, is always to make sure the basics are right. Adjust the valves, check compression, make sure the ignition system is performing correctly (no, don't just replace stuff--check what you have!) and maybe pull and clean out the various jets in the carbs. Check that they're in synch, and the throttle linkage opens them at the same time and the same rate.

Then you're into the realm of Black Magic (TM) as far as I am concerned. Which I guess is appropriate considering the season, but what I mean is that I really don't understand carbs well at all!!

--DD

[deemsriddle]

Thanks for your input, Dave. It is always welcome. My car has just been tuned by one of the best in our area. Carbs are pretty simple, put gas in a enclosed container with a tube inserted into it. Next you insert the other end into another tube, rush air past it and the miracle of siphoning as the mixture yada, yada yada.

I I am 77 years and love my 914. But it needs some kind of electronic FI so it will drive like my recently sold 1979 Euro SC Targa with a 3.2. years ago I had the parts to convert a 914/4 to a 6. I no longer have the parts or time but wish instant gratification.