There is, obviously, a lot to be said in favor of the electronics in
modern automobiles, and there doesn't seem to be anything said bad about
the ever forward creeping expansion of electronics i cars and other
things to the point that no one can work on anything because of the
technology, unless it is taken to a special facility that has the
specialized technology to test all these systems. That is a bit scary.
The more technology that gets incorporated, the more vulnerable that
technology becomes to all sort of unexpected events. Like - what happens
to all those fancy electronics if there is  - God forbid - an atomic
related electromagnetic pulse anywhere near where we live. All the
electronics get fried. On occassions in the geological past there have
been astrological events that apparently have produces such
electromagnetic pulses, and it could happen again. Kinda far out, but
possible to happen. And of some concern is the Mayan Calendar and the
year 2012. Some anticipate some sort of spectacular event that  may
include the EMP. That's not far away. Some worry about such. For me it
is only passing concern. But what if it happens. All but the few
vehicles with mechanical fuel delivery systems would be stalled on the
side of the road. I definitely believe in the KISS principle in most
things. And keeping it that way in vehicles is important to me. FI is
great. But it still begs the question - why just accept the declaration
by the powers that be that modern electronic FI is the best and can
never be replaced by anything better. That is where I am. If an
alternative to FI can be found that is better, and more simple, you bet
your bippy I'm gonna jump on it. I don't want to get locked into a
narrow mode of thought on this. I watched a really good show on physics
tonight. It reminded me that Albert Einstein worked out his theory of
general relativity with nothing more than a paper pad, a pencil, and his
brain, and with that provided the basis for modern Quantum Physics and
just about everything else in science today. Pretty extraordinary, I
would say. So, whose to say - perhaps it can be done where carburetors
are concerned. Pencil, paper, and some deep thinking. Sometimes all that
is necessary is simply looking at the problem from a different angle.

Who knows, there may be a fully carbureted 100/mpg Vanagon in the wings
out there already, just waiting for it's debut!!

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

John Rodgers wrote:
> I've seen mention of this a time or two, and wondered of any advantages.
> No experience to compare, so wondering what others have done, and what
> was the outcome. I have a project in mind, and FI is of no advantage in
> the application. I've got a basket case engine I'm sot of interested in
> building up as a test bed for a new kind of carburetor that may
> adequately compete with FI, of maybe even better it. Part of an ongoing
> mileage quest. The idea is not so much to make the newest and greatest
> and most efficient new car, but to make old cars more efficient -
> because if fuel ramps up again, there is going to be a lot of old cars
> resurrected from the bone yards because the new ones are going to cost
> so much as we switch over to electric or green or both.
>
> Anyone notice that fuel prices are climbing again - not so fast, but
> rising none the less. Makes me nervous.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 Gl Driver
>
>