Another carb vs. F.I ques.

[65mech]

My 73 2.0 was purchased with a single weber on it (sucks!). I pretty much know my options as far as carbs go but was wondering what it would take to replace the F.I. system. I currently have zero F.I. parts so I would need everything! Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated, (availability, cost, etc...) Thanks

[lapuwali]

There are a number of routes to take. One would be to buy the stock D-Jet or L-Jet from someone who's done a carb conversion. Shouldn't be too expensive, esp. considering you can get a complete, running 1.7 for about $300, including the entire EFI setup. You could adapt a 1.7 D-Jet (or a 1.8 L-Jet) setup to a 2.0 with something like a Megasquirt ECU. There's also a 914 specific ECU in the works from Kit Carlson, but it's still under development.

On the more expensive side of the scale, TWM makes a set of throttle bodies that bolt-on in place of Weber IDF carbs, so you can use the manifolds, linkage, and air filters readily available for carbs, but still have EFI (also need an ECU, injectors, plumbing, pressure regulator, fuel pump, etc). Not a cheap or simple option, but probably the most flexible.

The cheapest, but most DIY, approach would be to convert your existing single carb setup to EFI. Weld on injector bungs to the intake runners near the ports, and plug all of the fuel lines to the carb and use it as a throttle body. Totally on your own as far as setup, but if you can do the work (or know someone who does), it would be the least expensive way to go.

The Megasquirt'd D-Jet setup has been done a few times, and there's information out there if you look. Dave Hunt has done this and has some data online on how to go about it.

[Alfred1]

Keep an eye out for complete d-jet systems on ebay. They are up for auction on a fairly regular basis. Here are a couple recent auctions. Most seem to go for less than $300.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2482873449&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7906878935&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[lmcchesney]

65 mech,
A major aspect to consider is, " What am I going to do with the car once I have FI?". If you are interested in using the car in regulated races, there are specific rules as to which FI system used and what racing class you will be in. If you however, are using the car for street use and need reliability and ecconomy or if you are looking to get the very most out of the engine requires a different setup. Thus if you want the maxim. output from the engine, megasquirt provides the cheapest and very adjustable, but is a DIY kit. There is no bolt on aftermarket FI system on the market that exist right now. The Kit Carson system is still in the to be produced stage.
The stock 2.0L D-jet FI system is a reliable system and has more tunning capabilities than the L-jet. The 1.7L D-jet shares many parts with the 2.0L but has different injectors and the manifold pressure sensor (MPS) is tunned for 2.0L. A complete system can be obtained from $150-300. The risk is in the status of the MPS and the injectors. Injectors can be purchased online for about $60 each or rebuild to variable quality at about $25-35 each. The MPS diaphgram is prone to rust and will leak. Thus, you go through several to find a good one. Rebuilt ones are available Geoff and others. You can modify/fine tune the system as per some tech articles with good results.
Items needed for a 2.0L D-jet are:
ECU either 1.7 or 2.0L, FI wiring harness, Throttle body with trottle switch, cold start valve, thermistor, temp sensor I and II, MPS, green injectors(4), air cleaner, auxillary air regulator, fuel rales and pressure regulator and intake runners.
Hope this helps.
L. McC

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Another question is--what do you know about? If you're comfortable messing with carbs, and think FI is too complex to understand, then look for a pair of dual carbs. If you can wrap your brain around FI, but think carbs are blackest magic (like me), then get an FI system for the car.

--DD

[SteveStromberg]

I have a complete FI with eveything: Dizzy,Fuel Pump. ECU. Harness Manifold, Injectors, TB,ect. $650