Weber DGV kits

[Blue Meanie]

Has anyone put a 32/36 K688 kit on a Z? I really want to get rid of my side draft Hitachis. From what I have read the DGV kits mount right up to the existing hardware with no fabrication. Any input is appreciated.

[240ZX]

The 72 Z should have the good SUs on it.....not like a 260 with the crappy flat tops. The Webers will work, as many have done this conversion, but will cost you more to do the conversion than simply freshening up the SUs and putting them in tune/sync. Performance wise, I'd stick with the SUs.

[240ZMan]

I fought with my SUs for 2 years and never could get the proper balance between idle and part throttle mixture and wasn't ready to begin experimenting with grinding my own needles. I picked up a set of DGVs used and was very happy with them. I didn't notice any more or less power when measured by my butt-0-meter. Mileage seemed a little better, but I've got a 4.11 rear end so mileage obviously isn't my main concern

That said, I just pulled them off and replaced them with triple webers. I've got a mild cam and hopefully a more agressive one planned shortly. There's no doubt the triple DCOEs are a much better carb for performance, but they're also more work (and more $$$) to tune.

The only thing you might want to fabricate would be a heat shield if you you've got a header like I did. I had already made one for the SUs so I just used it. I don't know if it was necessary.

[Blue Meanie]

Thanks guys!

[ZSaint]

I think you should consider a set of ZTherapy SU's. They really do work and they drive out nicely. When you change to Weber or Solex carbs you are asking for huge tuning problems. If you were racing, these carbs are tuned for full throttle only. They are a nightmare when tuning for idle, mid-range and wide-open throttle. Get a new set of ZTherapy carbs and you will solve your problem.

[240ZMan]

When you change to Weber or Solex carbs you are asking for huge tuning problems. If you were racing, these carbs are tuned for full throttle only. They are a nightmare when tuning for idle, mid-range and wide-open throttle.

ZSaint, I think you are confusing Weber DCOE carbs with DGVs. The DGVs were not designed for racing any more than the SUs were. They do give you the ability to tune with a bit of finer precision than the SUs since the only way to "adjust" the relative mixture between idle, part throttle, and full throttle is by grinding the needles with SUs. I stopped short of doing that since I figured it was not a "reversible process" which killed my interest in experimenting :stupid:

In my case, no amount of time spent over 2 years rebuilding my carbs cured the excessively rich idle condition nor the issue with fuel percolating in the front carb. I bought new bodies from Z-Therapy, as well as new floats, needles + nozzles, hoses, and needles and seats. The only things I didn't change were the tops and the pistons. I even bought a second set of carbs and interchanged those parts. I spoke with Bruce and Scott many times and we were all left scratching our heads.

Please understand that I am not in any way trying to criticize ZTherapy. I found Bruce and Scott to be extremely responsive, pleasant to deal with, and all around good guys. It's just that after 2 years and hundreds of dollars spent chasing these issues they were still with me. Perhaps if I lived closer to Scott and could have had him look at my carbs in person we might have tried something else. What it might have been escapes me though

Lest you think it's just me (and I wondered about that many, many times!), I also had a local guy who specializes in Zs spend some time with them as well. Everything he suggested I had already tried, and we eventually gave up. I switched to the DGVs soon after.

I should also add that while I've modified my engine, the issues I had with the SUs were with me when I first received the car and it still had the stock L24. In fact, everything was stock, except that the flat tops had been replaced with '72 round tops.

So I think it's important to keep an open mind on the DGVs. SUs when they work in a given application are a super carb. But they aren't right for every application.

[ZSaint]

I do know the DGV carb. I have a Rabbit that I am considering putting on a DGV carb. I do not know Scott. He owned ZTherapy before I moved back to Oregon. I know that I have a 3.0 with a cam, headers and head and port work all professionally prepared. Steve Epperly built me a special set of SU's. I can only tell you that they work perfectly. I have never found an individual who had a set of DGV's who was completely satisfied. (Too lean or too rich or no bottom end or only top end) I do know hundreds of Steve Epperly ZTherapy SU owners who are completely satisfied. Maybe you need to bite the bullet and get a set from Steve. Who knows... They may finally cure your problems. You do have problems! I feel your pain.

[Blue Meanie]

I can't seem to get the carbs right. I know I screwing something up. I also can't seem to find anyone in or around Indianapolis that will work on them. I get the same terrified reaction from each person I call.

[240ZMan]

Ztherapy has a great video on how to tune the SUs. If you're willing to try to do it yourself I'd highly recommend it.

[Blue Meanie]

I'll check it out. Thanks!

[cremmenga]

I had DGV's on my 72' parts car, and I must say those little carbs made a rocket ship!!!!! I'm doing a v8 swap so i did not them, ended up selling them on ebay for the same price I paid for the car!!! i'll try to put some pics in my gallery!! http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7858