On Thu, 21 Aug 2003, Malcolm Stebbins wrote:

> Let me add one more observation.  With my Weber (DFEV)
> the power is right NOW, not the smooth acceleration of
> FI.  No computer to control things, just raw fuel -
> now.  Of course trying to push a syncro westy, my neck
> is still OK.  Malcolm

I think these setups require careful tuning (sometimes multiple times per
year, if your climate varies a lot) to get this kind of performance.
When I had a DFEV on my '75 Westy, it ran okay, but if I dipped into the
secondary barrel at low RPMs it would bog pretty badly.  I think the
advance curve of the distributor wasn't well suited to the carb's vaccuum
profile.  With no manifold heat water would condense on the intake runners
even at 80 degrees F, until the engine got hot enough to cook it off.
There was some throttle lag due to the long, long intake runners.  Top
speed was down a bit compared to when the FI system was working, but I
think that was a jetting issue.

On the other hand, it was simple, it had an electric choke (so cold starts
were good), and it did work.  I don't think I'd convert a van with a good
FI system, but if it were a choice between rebuilding a really trashed FI
system or the carb, I might be tempted.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si