[DML] Carb Conversions Presented As Objectively As I Can

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

For rational owners watching from the sidelines:

Much hyperbole and anecdote has been swirling around lately about carburetion as a K-Jet alternative. Speaking only for myself (not Byrne): 

Every single owner I have assisted will testify that the first thing I do is advise inquirants to carefully research this alternative. I give them contact information for other carbureted owners and encourage candid and honest direct discussion, specifically isolated from my online presence. One reason I do this is to keep them busy while I fabricate all the pieces necessary for a conversion (*EVERYTHING* is hand made -- even the plastic air filter lid). And of course a decision of this magnitude -- $1,100 -- needs to be based on as much information and as much evaluation as possible. Generally the process takes several weeks minimum (in the case of my latest two maifolds it has taken more than two months). Quite a few owners ultimately decided after research and evaluation that carburetion wasn't for them, Owen Malbec foremost among them. Better to make a discovery like that *BEFORE* spending the money than afterwards. The primary reason owners who have converted have been satisfied with the result is because they did their homework first. Their conversions were fully vetted before the first wrench ever turned.

As far as the conversion itself is concerned: there is only one "permanent" modification necessary -- the throttle cable needs to be cut shorter the match the throttle plates relocated to the center of the engine. Making a big loop in the throttle cable does not work well -- it binds. The throttle cable is of course an imminently replaceable part should the owner ever decide to convert from carburetion (to date no one has), but in the interest of full disclosure its modification should be noted.

No other modifications are necessary. The remainder of the conversion "bolts on." For example, the injectors are replaced with custom plugs in the OEM boots (stainless steel bolt shanks -- truly "bolt on"). One new electrical line is needed to warm the choke heater, which most owners get by plugging a quick connect into one of the unused ECU harness connectors and running the wire out the distributor tach grommet (K-Jet harness connectors can be left in place if the owner chooses). Fuel lines are left in place under the car -- I provide a new dedicated fuel line uninterrupted from the tank to a new fuel filter, usually located somewhere in the engine compartment (a stainless bracket is provided to hold it). I provide a generic fuel filter, but owners are free to use any filter they want (John Marconi is running a glass bodied filter he picked up from Jeg's or Summit). A low pressure pump is provided in a carrier that rides in the stock tank boot, but owners are free to substitute a different pump as well (Jeff Dickey is using a pump mounted outside the carrier altogether). Etc.

This photo essay illustrates the entire conversion process: http://www.gulfcoastdeloreans.com/20100710.html

And as Chad Kraus has indicated, he would like to do his conversion publicly at DCS'14 so anyone interested can watch (and turn wrenches?) first hand.

Is carburetion for everyone? Of course not. Is carburetion for no one? Of course not. Is carburetion a good alternative for some but not for others? Of course.

Bill Robertson
#5939



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