EGR does not help with fuel economy. In fact, it reduces both economy and
power. The purpose of EGR is to reduce the peak flame temperature. The
reason is to reduce the Nitrogen Oxide, (NOx) production and the second
benefit is to reduce detonation, (ping). The air cooled engines rely heavily
on this to avoid melting pistons. Not only is EGR an issue, but you need to
consider operation of the fuel tank vapor recovery system and vacuum control
for the distributor. A full centrifugal advance distributor is an option.

Do you have an emissions inspection program where you live? If so, this can
be another issue.

Dennis

>From: David Johnson <davidj@ELPASOTEL.NET>
>Reply-To: David Johnson <davidj@ELPASOTEL.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Carb Conversion Question
>Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:42:34 -0600
>
>Ok, so it is close to make or break time on my '80 Westy.  The
>vehicle suffered a major engine fire back in late October or early
>November (don't exactly recall now).  The fire completely destroyed
>the top half of the engine, except for metal.  All hoses, wires, and
>sensors were fried.  The distributor and coil were cooked.  I have
>finally gotten enough into it enough to assess things, and
>realistically I think the only option is to replace the fuel
>injection system with a carburetor.  Granted, the actual fuel
>injection computer was far enough away it seemed to be untouched, and
>I think the air-flow computer may be ok, but honestly I lack the
>skills and knowledge to try and figure out where everything goes for
>fuel injection, even with the new hoses, wires, etc.
>
>So - if I carb this thing, (which i do understand) the carb kit
>doesn't include a hookup for the EGR system.  Other than for
>emissions, how does that affect engine performance.  Given that one
>of the functions of the EGR is to aid in gas mileage and help with
>engine detonation, am I going to introduce large scale engine
>problems later if I leave it out?
>
>Failing this, what is a parts Westy worth these days?  Block and
>tranny are ok, body is not perfect, but all camping gear is intact
>(except for propane valve, which is missing the handle).
>
>Thanks,
>
>David.