what size webers can i squeeze by with?
 

I am looking to instal a set of carbs on my 74 1.8L 914 and have been shopping aroung. Idealy I want either weber 40 idf's or dellorto 40 drla's but i am currious how low i can go. my delema is that I have been offered a good deal on a pair of weber 36's for cheep and am tempted. Can these work well on my engine? I know i cannot use them if i go any bigger but what about stock. ok thanks guys

You could use the 36's with 32 venturis as long as you don't plan on racing at high RPM. In fact, you will get good low end power and tractability.

However, there is nothing cheap about a Weber unless it is in good condition, on a running car and can be verified to work. Also, you need a package deal with maifolds and linkage. Otherwise, run away. Don't ask me how I know.

well then i think i will grab the 36's then. They dont have the manifolds or linkage but i have some time to search for them and find what i need. what is the best way to do that?

Just get the complete 40IDF Weber kit, you'll be much happier with it. The 36s will leave you feeling, anemic. They'll run, but not have the driveability of the 40s.

Six months ago, I'd agree and say that simply buying a complete kit is worth it, as assembling the parts from bits is quite a pain (been there). However, the prices of the kits have risen dramatically in the past few months as the dollar has tanked against the Euro. A complete set of carbs, manifolds, and linkage are now over $1K from most suppliers. Given that a used set of 40IDFs can still be scored off Ebay for $300-400, and the rest of the parts are US made, so not subject to Euro inflation, buying the bits is now a lot cheaper. Buy the manifolds and linkage from the same place, as they're not all the same. CB Performance seems to make the best linkage.

The 36s should be fine on a near-stock engine, esp. a 1.8. You'll want to run 28-30mm venturies, anyway. Just make sure the carbs are in decent shape. If the throttle shafts are loose, they'll need a complete overhaul (not just a seal replacement). Drivability should actually be fairly good with 36s, only top end MAY suffer, but it's likely not to be lower than stock. If you're planning on significantly modifying the 1.8 later, then use 40s.

here is a question that I should know... Do I need special manifolds for the type 4 or can I use manifolds for the type 1. all the manifolds i have seen came with manifolds for a type one.

what about dellorto 36 DRLA with either 30 or 32 venturies on them... how will that set up work on my 1.8? is their any difference with dellorto carbs verses weber carbs.

Type 1 manifolds don't work. The port spacing is completely different. A pair of manifolds aren't all that expensive compared to the carbs themselves. The best deal you're likely to find is a complete setup for a Type 4. The next best deal is a set of used carbs, then you buy the linkage, filters, and manifolds new.

Dellorto carbs aren't made anymore, so any you find will be used, and parts are getting harder and harder to find. Many seem to prefer the Dells to Webers, but the parts situation makes it difficult to refurbish a used set.

You want to run the smallest venturies you can, as drivability is critically affected by them. Too big, and you end up with a setup that has no low end, and only a little more top end. Smaller venturies are easier to get tuned, as the increased velocity through them creates a stronger pressure signal.

so what size? would 30's work well with a 1.8?