Carbs...or Fuel Injection?, I'm confused Options

[JimFitz33]

Hey Guys,
I'm about 6 months into searching and researching these cars(914) and from what I gather...they were designed for fuel injection and should have fuel injection to work properly. I've read the warnings of poor engine runnings and bad gas mileage and all...but I still see SO many great cars that I've passed up because they are carbed. Can someone give me a little context in how to think about this stuff? I'm not a gear head and don't have enough knowledge to know why and why not. Anybody? I know what George at Auto Atlanta thinks....what about the rest of you guys? I'm a newbie and need your sage advice. Thoughts guys?
Thanks for any clarity or perspective.

Jim

[monkeyboy]

If you are starting from scratch on the intake, aftermarket FI.

Weber and Dellorto carbs are nice, but based on designs from the 50's.
Stock FI is from the 70's

Why not update to technology that isn't over 40 years old?

[somd914]

If you are starting from scratch on the intake, aftermarket FI.

Weber and Dellorto carbs are nice, but based on designs from the 50's.
Stock FI is from the 70's

Why not update to technology that isn't over 40 years old?

You got me thinking about my future engine rebuild (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Why stick with an expensive late 60's designed, low output, noisy Type IV?

Think I'll go Suby 2.5 liter, same as my Legacy GT - HP and torque numbers both nearing 300. Modern, powerful, and maintenance free (compared to a Type IV).

Where do you draw the line on modern upgrades? That's a slippery slope.

But back to the OP... Hopefully after reading all this he will realize that carbs/FI is a contentious topic for some reason, but also realize that there are plenty of teeners out there that run well/poorly on both carbs and FI. I think we can all agree there are more critical issues such as rust that should determine whether or not to even consider purchasing a specific teener; carbs should not automatically disqualify a teener that is on the market.

[monkeyboy]

If you are starting from scratch on the intake, aftermarket FI.

Weber and Dellorto carbs are nice, but based on designs from the 50's.
Stock FI is from the 70's

Why not update to technology that isn't over 40 years old?

You got me thinking about my future engine rebuild (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Why stick with an expensive late 60's designed, low output, noisy Type IV?

Think I'll go Suby 2.5 liter, same as my Legacy GT - HP and torque numbers both nearing 300. Modern, powerful, and maintenance free (compared to a Type IV).

Where do you draw the line on modern upgrades? That's a slippery slope.

But back to the OP... Hopefully after reading all this he will realize that carbs/FI is a contentious topic for some reason, but also realize that there are plenty of teeners out there that run well/poorly on both carbs and FI. I think we can all agree there are more critical issues such as rust that should determine whether or not to even consider purchasing a specific teener; carbs should not automatically disqualify a teener that is on the market.

You draw the line where you deem it. I can't decide that for anyone, just trying to provide all the options.

Me personally I want a car that retains the feel of original without all the annoying habits of carbs with no chokes, or FI that can be difficult to find parts for. But that was my assessment. And I didn't want to cut my car for a radiator.

In the case of my dad's car, we built a small block Ford that shows over 400 hp to the ground, idles with a rumble, and starts with no foot on the throttle as soon as you tap the key. FI can be great, I couldn't have tuned carbs to do that.

Like I said, the info is out there. Make the right decision for you and go with it.