Considering going back to FI on my 2.0

[914orrust]

I have a 1974 914 2.0 that was converted to dual carbs before I bought it. It has a big bore kit and racing cam. The carbs are webber 44's. I am starting to think the carbs are more trouble then their worth. Should I continue down the carb path or revert to fuel injection? I'd appreciate people's thoughts on the pros and cons.

Here is a little background on my current situation - the throttle linkage is sticky/stiff (probably an easy fix). The engine is perpetually hard to start. The engine idles rough. It backfires all the time. And this is after I've had the carbs adjusted numerous times.

I have a 009 distributor... which may be a big part of the problem.

So, should I be considering yanking out the carbs? I always hear that FI is the best way to go anyway. Then again, maybe I just need to make a few adjustments with what I have. Thoughts?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

With an aggressive cam, the stock FI won't really work. It's probably best to keep the carbs.

--DD

[914orrust]

Dave,

Thank you so much for that input. You confirmed my 1 worry in going back to FI - would it work with my setup. At least I have a plan of attack now.

Great site. Great service. Again, thank you.

[Schwarzeritter]

Here is my opinion,

1. It depends on what you're path is. I mean in goals and expectations.

2. EFI is really good, but it also can be expensive for overly idealistic DYI types.
Seen a good many go real wrong, real fast, and with the best of intentions. EFI is really good and not easily beat.

3. If cost was not a issue or factor, then I would recommend EFI. Let a specialist handel it.

4. Although I think what you have is good, I think you just need some adjustments and a shakedown. I think also with a specialist who is well versifed in tuning Porsche & Carbs you'll be fine. Carbs can be wounderful too, a pain in the a*@ when they go wrong.

^_^

Good luck on it.

[914orrust]

I wish, wish, wish money wasn't an option. Unfortunately, I've already poured so much into my little 914 project that I need to make "sensible" decisions.

I bought a Mallory distributor and a new fuel pump (from PP) tonight. I guess I'm committed to carbs. Fortunately, I have two Porsche/VW mechanics within a mile from me here in Long Beach that can help me fine tune the new setup.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Again, thank you for all your advice.

[vesnyder]

How much adjustment have you done? I went through more than ten options of the following:
> Venturi
> Main Jet
> Air Corrector
> Emulsion Tube
> Idle Jet

Finally I found the best alternative and when I did it was pretty obvious. Still not convinced I found the best option for MPG's, but the car starts good (even cold), idles fine and goes when the accelerator is mashed! I have a 1911 cc with 40 Webers (if I remember correctly). Would be happy to send you my tracking spreadsheet if this would help?

Good luck!

[914orrust]

How much adjustment have you done?

To be honest, I haven't done any of the adjustment myself. I've had the carbs adjusted, cleaned, new jets installed, etc by various mechanics. Prior to my original post, I purchased the Haynes Weber carb book. My goal has been to bring this effort "in house". Not because I'm feeling cheap but I want to better understand the inner workings of my 914 engine.

Vesnyder, if you have a tracking spreadsheet that could help, I would be most appreciative. That could really help me out as I start down this path.

I should mention, I have 40s not 44s on the car.

Thank you.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Cool; 44s seem to be a bit bigger than most 2.0 engines need.

--DD

[914-6Porsche]

What you really need is someone who is over 60 who has the experience of working of carbs. I think the 44's are probably a little big.

[914-6Porsche]

PS,
I've found that if my forties are adjusted for super good emissions, it ends up running to rich and can also backfire. I just lean them out (counterclockwise on the air screw) about an 1/8 of a turn.

[914orrust]

I double checked and I have 40s not 44s.

I've found that if my forties are adjusted for super good emissions, it ends up running to rich and can also backfire. I just lean them out (counterclockwise on the air screw) about an 1/8 of a turn.

thank you 914-6Porsche. I will give it a shot. I am planning to start work this Saturday. I'll report back on what I find.

[larrym]

40's are the biggest you can run w/o bogging problems - but you need to make sure the replacable venturis & chiokes are also small enuf - some gasser jockeys sell em with internals sized for V8's

- get the FAt book on webers - hands down the best advice you can buy

- weber 73 cam works great with D-jet FI on a 2.0;

wilder cams are a major problem with D-jet cuz you don't have enuf manifold vacuum at low end & that screws up the injection pulse

BTDT