Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Power of a 2.0L Air cooled vs 2.1L???
From:David Brodbeck
Date:Wed, 10 Dec 2003 14:38:47 -0500

> > is that a good in shape 2.0L with twin carb should give me at least the same
> > power as an 2.1L.
> > http://www.benplace.com/engine_73/engine_bay1.jpg

I kind of doubt it.  I don't think you'll get more power with carbs than
with FI, unless your FI isn't working right or there are other factors.
(For example, if you plan on punching out the 2.0L to a higher
displacement, the FI won't deal with that well.)

I also don't really recommend the single-carb Weber arrangement unless you
live somewhere warm and don't have any other good choices.  I did it on my
'75 because it was either that or replace most of the FI system, but it
never *really* ran right.  The Weber linkage is chintzy and tends to hang
up with the throttle open a crack, causing high idle.  The long manifold
tubes are prone to icing and fuel puddling due to the lack of manifold or
carb heat.  The idle jet has to be adjusted every time the temperature
changes a little.  Intake noise is noticable because of the lack of a
decent air cleaner box.  Etc., etc.  I also lost top-end power, but that
might have been correctable if I'd messed with the jetting enough.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon