new carbs advice please

Post by **jonnyshowbiz** » 09 Jul 2007, 08:25

Hi Guys,
gonna spend out an get some new carbs, would like more power and better fuel economy if possible.
I run a 1981 2lt a/c

all suggestions welcome
ta

Post by **ermie571** » 09 Jul 2007, 10:28

Have you had the standard ones serviced and tuned and balanced.......

Don't put webber 40's on...........you can watch the petrol needle fall!!!

Emma

Post by **edmundator** » 09 Jul 2007, 10:39

I understood that as a general rule you get either increased economy or increased performance. VW tend to err towards economy rather than power... a 2L a/c engine that's running well should be sufficiently powerful with the original carbs. I certainly don't have any problems cruising at 65... only a big hill might make me struggle.

I'd be inclined to get the original carbs properly refurbished and set up (I think Gasure do this if you're anywhere near them). That's what I'll be doing eventually.

Post by **jonnyshowbiz** » 09 Jul 2007, 13:07

points taken chaps, I realise that carbs are a trade off between performance and economy, depending on how heavy your right foot is.
I did spend a long while thinking about refurbing the old carbs, but in the end I think its cheaper and easier to get new carbs plus and increase in performance.
The solexs I have are sucking air in through the spindles and are generally knackered. I know Gasure do refurb' I have spoken with them but I am in Bournemouth and they are in Chester.

Post by **edmundator** » 09 Jul 2007, 13:11

The other consideration with changing carbs is space... I seem to recall that the Weber conversion doesn't fit properly under the engine cover and requires some modifications... which might not be compatible with your sleeping arrangements if your van is a camper.

Someone who knows more about this will hopefully be along soon...

Post by **crazydiamond** » 09 Jul 2007, 19:42

Well I fitted Twin Weber 34ICT single choke carbs as a replacement for the solex's on my 2lt air cooled, and they work very well, mpg and power are about what you could expect at around 20mpg but I think it goes up hills better, but thats probable due to the lack of air leaks that the old ones had. Not cheap at about £345 from Stateside tunning a few years ago. Also the air filters are a problem, the old one doesnt fit due to the new linkages and the pancake ones really are not as good as the big central paper element VW one.

Post by **jason k** » 09 Jul 2007, 20:51

chap dont mess about, slap a pair of dellortos on it!! drla 36mm or 40mm. get it properly set up on a rolling road and you will find they ARE actually better on petrol than stock solexs and will make your van go, and sound much much better. (i have done this conversion on mine as have a few other chaps on here)
speak to www.raceshack.co.uk and they will put you right.
there is no performance gain to be had with icts and they involve retro fitting a 009 (which dosent work on a cu engine) points and all that "Balls" that go with em!!! with the dells you run your stock dizzy and electronic ignition. if you need any help drop me a pm
whatever you do dont fit the central weber conversion as it will strangle the engine.
i had a set of rejetted rebuilt solex and after the dyno they were ok but after fitting the dells i gained fifteen bhp at the rear wheels and a useful increase in torque. my van will do about 25 mpg and i dont hang about in it either!!!

Post by **jonnyshowbiz** » 10 Jul 2007, 09:55

agreed spoke to raceshack and they reckon twin 40 DRLA are the boys so now I'll go in search of thanks for the replies guys

Post by **jason k** » 10 Jul 2007, 16:38

good luck with it.
dont buy anything that has been "media" blasted or acid dipped as it screws em right up.
loads on ebay or try stateside tuning as he had a few for sale with fannymoulds at bvf

Post by **phade** » 10 Jul 2007, 19:27

To be honest everyone, I think the best thing to do is to get your Solex 34 Pdsit-2/3 carburettors profesionally rebuilt. It won't be cheap but they would be far better than a so-called brand new one.

In my experience (and I think a few others on here too) new carburettors are usually nothing but trouble, I have even heard of Dellerottos going wrong on one topic (I cannot remember which one or wether it was the Just Kampers forum)m eg. constant re-jetting.

Brosols, Boca 34 Pict-3s, "Kafer" aka Pierburg 34 Pict-3 are all pretty awful too.

I got Gower and Lee to do my 1300 Beetle's Solex 28 Pict-2 carburettor and cost me £110+VAT, but it came back like brand new and my Beetle runs like it too.

I think there's another company that someone the Just Kampers forum mentioned. It's called the "Carburettor Exchange" located in Leighton Buzzard. I have had no experience with these people but according to that chatter those people seem to be excellent as well.

Thier website is http://www.carbex.demon.co.uk/

Post by **jason k** » 10 Jul 2007, 20:15

no probs with my dells over many a thousand a mile!!!
depends who sets em up i suppose!!!
best move i ever made with my bus

Post by **west E** » 10 Jul 2007, 20:25

Go with the dells, i did after jason recommended them. miles better than the solex ones.mpg about 25 and get more pull up them there 'ills!

ta

ian