Date:         Wed, 25 Mar 1998 19:36:09 EST
Reply-To:     GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Carbs on my '91 Westie Syncro---"The Story"
Comments: To: Pfunky@aol.com, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-03-25 18:10:23 EST, Pfunky@AOL.COM writes:

<< Won't 914 dual carb kits fit?  They may cost more initally, but the
 improvement in performance (and mileage?) may well be worth it >>

According to Automobile Atlanta, the U.S. experts on the 914 (type IV),
changing from FI to carbs is one of the worst things an owner can do. While
they do sell carbs for the 914, they spend alot of catalog space trying to
dissuade customers from changing them out. I would agree.

When I was in my "914 phase", (1982-1991) I knew a couple of folks who changed
out, only to rip the carbs off and throw them in a box after a couple of
months. You'll find a unbelievable drop in milage, (on the 914, 28 mpg down to
17) and a tremendous increase in the amount of time you spend "fiddling" under
the hood.

If you drag race your Vanagon, a pair of dual-throat Webers, a trick cam,
ported and polished heads, and 103 mm pistons can jump your horsepower to
around 200. However, if you think your motor is finicky now...

gmbulley
cary, nc