I have no experience using these on Vanagons but I have experience on
Bugs and Busses. The first consideration is where do you live? These
carbs as delivered are climate and altitude sensitive. They do deliver
more power since there is less intake restriction and they will run
richer than the FI. Since there is no intake or manifold heat, they will
also "ice up" in any damp/cold environment. There are no chokes so
starting is always an adventure. As for fuel economy, when I had these
on my '72 Bus I did about 13-15 mpg. I also tried dual progressive
Webers. The mileage was not much better. You will also learn the fine
art of adjusting, changing jets, fixing the linkage, and keeping them
synchronized. They can be great if you have the patience. If you have to
pass an emissions program, these are an automatic failure. You will also
have to remove the catalyst as it will be burned out shortly anyway.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Bergin, Richard
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2003 6:58 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Dual Webbers on a 2.1 water cooler

>       I recently learned that kits are available for mounting dual
Webbers (CB Performance was Claude's Buggies).
http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=493 They tend to
include manifolds, linkage, two carbs, f($600).  Fuel pump and
distributor are another ($150).  I have been told various stories on
performance.
>
>       1. Mechanic (a)  I have never done a water cooler conversion,
but the air-cooled engines in vans, bugs and older porches have seen a
20% improvement in mileage and 20-30% in power.  Mind you this guy is
very conservative wit his claims.
>
>       2. Mechanic (b)  stated a little bit more power, but the mileage
goes down the toilet.
>
>       3 Mechanic (c)  use the 40m Carbs, the reason the mileage goes
down is due the extra power causing the driver to  drive more
aggressively.  "Having too much fun"
>
>       4. Mechanic (d) who also sells the parts.  Yes the power and
mileage go way up, especially the power.
>
>
>       5. Claude's Buggies power about 10-15% and mileage usually down,
but depends on how you drive.
>
>
>       Does anybody have any experiences with these conversion on water
cooled vans?