Topic: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

What's your opinion on VW Fuel Injection Conversion? I came across an internet article on it and know nothing about it actually. I'm just curious on your take on this guys. Can it be done on my bug with the following specs:

1973 deluxe beetle, 1500 engine, dual port, 30 pict carb, Brazil made stock distributor ata, 51 amp Bosch alternator, red coil with external resistor, new batteries, platinum na spark plugs in good condition new AC.

Thanks.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

droccu,

Don't bother!  It's way too expensive (kits cost somewhere around $1200-$1500).

I have previously posted much longer replies on this topic...do a search if your looking for more detail.

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Thanks Nick. I'll look for your previous replies.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Based on your a post of yours Nick, you only have experience with stock type FI systems.  A 'real' kit would impress you.  If you're serious about performance, FI is MILES ahead of carbs.  --Ryan

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Ryan,

I don't doubt that FI is miles ahead of Carbs...but...the question in this thread from "droccu" was:

"What's your opinion on fuel injection conversion?"

I posted my opinion, and I guess that's the best I can do...I can't post an opinion that agrees with everyone else!

If you care to post your opinion as well go for it.


By the way, I would imagine that Droccu is probably pretty much like most Beetle owners, and would rather not purchase & install a $1200-$1500 fuel injection kit into a Beetle that may be worth $1500-$2000 dollars. 

But if the "real" FI kit you refer to is substantially less money...than that could make a big difference.

I would love to see an example of the "real" FI kit you mentioned.  Can you post a link to one?

Thanks,

- Nick

Last edited by Bug In My Nose (2006-10-09 06:39:55)

1979 Super Beetle Convertible

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Nick you hit the nail on the head.  My 75 SB was already carburated when I bought it.  And it is staying that way.  I can get a used engine for the price of a FI system.  Nice to have a back up you know. 
    Gipper

My restoration site.  Gippers 1975 SB La Grande
http://www.shenry.k12.in.us/Buildings/T … /index.htm

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Yeah Fuel injection is way ahead of Carbs . I heard 90 horses out of 1600 cc motor but then depends on who runnin the Dyno . CB performance has some really cool set up's . But there expensive . Stock fuel injection Suck's . We gett smogg thing here cars have too be OEM too smogg Before law progressed . So nobody was doin S.B. cars due too stock fuel injection issues . Few people ?? Ive seen one ?? But yeah check out CB performance parts << Electronic fuel injection , even turbo charged prices vary but it's expensive . It's my understanding that Chevy parts are incorporated intoo modified or aftermarket manifolds . Ive never been too CB performance yett drove by Farmersville Ca. several times . One day I will stop in ! Sean

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Sean,

Thanks for the CB Performance link. 

Looks like their "carb replacement" or fuel injection kits cost $1695-$1795. 

With one side note...they mention that you have to modify the engine compartment to make room for the injectors & fuel rails!  Not sure I would want to do that in case I wanted to switch back to carb.

Again...this would be a cool thing to give a try if you had an "extra" $1695 just laying around...especially if it did give a good boost in horsepower or significantly better gas mileage.

Of course if there is a big boost in horsepower...then other parts of the drivetrain would need to be "beefed" up to handle it...thus costing a bunch more $$$!

But regarding my Beetle...at this point I could use that $1700+ bucks for more boring things like a new convertible top, headliner, new windshield, new seats/seat covers, etc.

Thanks again Sean for the link,

- Nick

Last edited by Bug In My Nose (2006-10-09 08:09:31)

1979 Super Beetle Convertible

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

You dont' "have to" modify the engine compartment with CB injection if you use their special manifolds that place the injector inboard of the throttle body. It's the full bore race setup that has the fuel rails on the outside.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

It is also possible to retrofit the production FI system used on the Mexican Beetles from 93-2004. Don't expect a power change (the stock engine needs a good mixture, whether carb or FI) - but it's a solid, reliable system that fits well. I hear Antonio (partsvw@hotmail.com) has provided the complete system to some who wanted to convert. You need an extra fuel line run to the engine, but the return line goes into the pump, not the tank, and the pump also connects to the tank vent lines; so conversions isn't as bad as you might think. It would be costly, but makes a great daily driver. Uses all new intake manifold, but fits std dual port heads.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Thanks a lot guys! Keep 'em coming, pls. This is getting to be very interesting for me.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Price depends on what you're looking for.  Keep in mind that a set of IDAs or even a good set of Italian IDFs can run you over $1k easily when it's all said and done.
By a 'real' setup I mean not the crap these things came with in later years, I mean a real setup that is completely programmable.  If you're a DIY man then the MS setup is real nice and can be done for close to the cost of a set of IDAs.  If you want a kit, then there at many good kits to look at.  Don't limit yourself to a setup specific to ACVWs.  CB, Berg and Redline (through VW Paradise) are a few places supporting kits specifically for VW use and they are priced accordingly.  Look at general use kits that will include the brain, and the essentials and is compatible with off the shelf parts.  Get your own injectors, manifolds, TBs, and so on.  If you build the kit up from individual components then the cost isn't what most people would expect.
His post was for opinions of FI, so give him the whole story and don't just say it's not worth it for his engine.  There are plenty of guys that will invest in a FI system from the get go and use it on all their future builds since it's so incredibly versatile.  --Ryan

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

does any one have a web page address of where we can get fuel injection manifolds that take the injectors ,we dont want to weld our own blocks on to standard twinport inlett manifolds .
thanks.

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

Ryan,

You are definitely correct that all FI options should be discussed...since we don't know if "droccu" (the person that started this thread) is a multi-billionaire do-it-yourselfer, and can afford anything!

The build it yourself FI kit you described sounds very interesting, and if it is more affordable compared to the other "pre-packaged" kits...that would be a big bonus!

But realistically...for the average home mechanic...installing a FI system from individual components isn't a problem...but I am sure that there has got to be a steep learning curve knowing what individual components to purchase that will happily work together.

This is where the pre-packaged (more expensive) FI kits have their appeal...since (in theory) the components in the kit are supposed to work together well.

Of course this is after someone has decided that $1600 for a FI conversion kit is a worthwhile purchase.

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible

Re: VW Fuel Injection Conversion

There is a wealth of knowledge out there if you know where to look.  The FI board on the STF is great place to start.  The DIY kit is called Megasuirt and is gaining popularity quickly.
As for manifolds with injector bosses, CB Performance.  --Ryan