fuel injection or carbs?

[e_racer1999]

i was just wondering what you guys think of fi vs. carbs. i have a 72 240z with all of the little inconveniences of the SUs (inconsistency, trouble starting, etc.) and i just got a wrecked 280zx. i know that FI doesn't hold a candle to carbs for performance (without shelling out major dough), but overall what is better?

the reason i ask this is 'cause my SUs are killin me. i had to catch i ride to work today 'cause my carbs are jacked up again..

-jason

edit: i DID do a search and i couldn't find a similar thread, but i could have just missed it.

[dhoneycutt]

I just love the sound of Normally Aspirated engines!!! I know that it costs a little much but worth every penny. Go with carbs and contact ZTherapy and spend a little. You get much more in return. I spent about $780 USD and got the ZTherapy carbs, polished intake manifold, cleaned up balance tube (polished) the 4 hour video on how to set up and tune the carbs and that included shipping! Their web address is:

www.ztherapy.com

Hope that helps!

[Bruce Palmer]

... in the exactly the other direction from everyone else. We are getting more calls from fuel injected car owners that are saying their old FI systems are starting to come unpacked (due mosty to component age and parts availability) wanting to put on a complete early SU setup and doing away with the FI. We have one fellow here locally that took his 280 to Nissan here to have his FI fixed and the dealer could not fix it so he's swapping over to our SUs so he can at least drive and enjoy his car.

SU carbs have about 4 moving parts and when you know where square one is on those 4 moving parts, there is nothing simpler to run any where for any price. We sell 2 different videos that depending on your skills, help with tuneup related engine issues (which can show up as things that can act like carbs) and one that covers JUST SUs (in fact that's the title).

We can also slam dunk a set of "done" carbs but I think you might find your time better spent with the videos checking out what you have going on first.

Check out www.ztherapy.com and give a call if we can help. No way should a dialed in set of SUs leave anybody looking for a ride to work.

[sblake01]

Component age and parts availability? What parts are not available? I can get ahold of every f.i. system part. I even have lots of servicable spares. There are also parts from the euro cars (BMW etc.) that can be used and in some cases are actually better. I have two vehicles with Datsun/Nissan f.i. and have no problems with either of them. These cars can sit for months and then start up as if you drove them yesterday. I would never change a f.i. car to carbs but on the other hand I would never change a carb car to f.i. Each has its own set of potential issues and each can be dealt with. There a so many things that must be done in order to properly change a carbed car to f.i. If it has s.u.'s, stick with them.

[TomoHawk]

the F.I. system on my 280Z works great. The only (parts) that I think could be repaired or refurbished would be the AFM and the wiring ( 2 most used parts).

It still needs some tuning/adjustment. seems to be a lack of power at all speeds- probably from a rich mix.

[e_racer1999]

i don't have $$ to invest in new carbs, but i plan on tuning mine today. it's just that i have a complete L28 w/ fi and i was just hoping that the fi system would be a little more dependable (i.e. cold starting) than my SUs

edit: BTW, if anyone local (san diego) has the ztherapy vid i can buy, i would gladly pick it up. (not that i don't want to give ztherapy my $, i just want it asap!)

[gramercyjam]

Of course FI is great when it works right. Old electronics are very unpredictable though. I'd rather have old carbs. Oh wait, I do have old carbs.

Anyway, for me, troubleshooting, rebuilding and tuning carbs is second nature so I prefer them on my older vehicles. Trouble shooting FI can be a crap shoot. It's hard to tell whats going on when things don't work right.

[Gav240z]

I think the problem with your SU's is they are in poor condition. When my car was running slightly better (am doing some work to it tomorrow) I didn't really have a problem starting on cold starts.

With the electronic ignition on it it's much easier to start and the choke correctly applied it would fire on first turn of the key. Driving it with the choke isn't a big hassle for me either.

I think they money getting your FI working on your Z would be better spent rebuilding the SU's.

The hardest part to find for me has been with the electronic distributor module on the side of the dizzy. It's not the E80 or whatever everyone uses it's from another year the only way i can identify this distributor is by the fact that it's made partly by mitsubishi.

Then again I'm not in the US and Z parts seem easy to find there compared with here.

Gav

[sblake01]

Originally posted by gramercyjam

Of course FI is great when it works right. Old electronics are very unpredictable though. . . . . . Trouble shooting FI can be a crap shoot. It's hard to tell whats going on when things don't work right.

Not really. Based on the particular problem, there is a particular direction you go in. I guess after dealing with Bosch type fuel injection off and on for fifteen years or so, it's second nature for me also.

[Zrush]

Can we also say that what you intend to do with your Z makes a difference too. I've always understood that for flat out, instant speed, like for drag racing you want carbs. For on and off throttle, like auto-cross, rallys and the such FI is better. Personal preference always prevails I guess.

Vicky

[e_racer1999]

Originally posted by Zrush

For on and off throttle, like auto-cross, rallys and the such FI is better.

Vicky

very good point, vicky. i plan on doing auto-x, so i think fi might be a little better for my plans.

also, my SUs appear to be recently rebuilt, if not reasonably new (aka bad adjustments).

however, carb systems are more straight to the point. my biggest beef right now is the dependability issue. i like starting my car in the morning and my carbs aren't doing that for me right now. i'm going to adjust my carbs today after work and i hope i'll get the problem fixed.

[Driftin Jon]

I've got a '73 with 4 screw round tops that I installed a few months ago and they start up first time the engine turns over and run very consistently. Bear in mind that yesterday and Monday, it was a legitimate 108*F here in Redding and I have no form of insulation on my fuel feed lines. I have Pertronix ignition, but otherwise, everything is stock. I'm very pleased with the round tops and their driveability.

Driftin Jon