injection vs carburettor for VX
Discussion
Can anyone explain to me simply why the VX engine appears to develop more power on a carburettor than on std injection [ie 165 vs 175 bhp ] .I ask this because when originally fitted to the the Vauxhall Calibra it was on injection ,so why didn't just they stick with what was already available out of the box rather than switching to Carbs . Albeit naively I would have thought that the more modern fuel injection would be more efficient and lead to a higher power output ,which at least the VX 2.0 engine appears not to be the case .Is that the reason why Caterham went with carbs initially for the VX HPC and only later offered the injection option . A appreciate that fuel injection and associated induction systems have moved on a lot ,as for example with the K series or even the JPE .
the story was that at the time (early 90s) caterham were of the opinion that its customers wanted the noise,(induction roar/flames on over-run/popping etc) that the carbs bought--and the ability to tinker around with the carbs to suit what you wanted to use your car for--mines still on 45s--although i have over the last couple of years collected the jenveys/fuel tank/ecu to convert to injection--just can't seem to get a good enough reason to switch!
So your'e obviously happy with the Webers then
Have to say I also quite like the idea of carbs in terms of the old school look and sound etc ,but i guess its a rather marmite thing -I get the impression those who run k series or Sigma engines think that carbs are a bit rediculous in the modern era . I can see the attraction of both to be honest .
Have to say I also quite like the idea of carbs in terms of the old school look and sound etc ,but i guess its a rather marmite thing -I get the impression those who run k series or Sigma engines think that carbs are a bit rediculous in the modern era . I can see the attraction of both to be honest .
In all honesty back in the early nineties there was not much of a choice for induction on a HPC/Vauxhall Caterham. Either you used the ugly and strangulating Vauxhall injection and plenum or you did the sensible thing and let it breath with carbs.
When the 1.4k came out and latterly the 1.6/1.8 there was very quickly a solution on the shelf to junk the conventional injection in the form of the KV6 side draught system for the flagship models, moving on to the PTP offerings and finishing off with the roller barrels.
Carbs were dead come July 1998 on roagoing factory built cars by then anyway.
When the 1.4k came out and latterly the 1.6/1.8 there was very quickly a solution on the shelf to junk the conventional injection in the form of the KV6 side draught system for the flagship models, moving on to the PTP offerings and finishing off with the roller barrels.
Carbs were dead come July 1998 on roagoing factory built cars by then anyway.
I'm changing xflow to a 2.0 zetec and I am defiantly keeping the carbs , yes you can get more power from throttle body's but I just love the character of the carbs , the way they gargle at 1/4 throttle and bark at full chat and very enjoyable to balance and tune (I don't get out much lol )
I like the sound,pops, bangs,flames in the dark- not that the driver can see them-- but fellow seveners following at night always comment on it.
Mpg-- best I can get 28mpg-- that's 3d ignition with the plugs a nice straw colour- so that the best it can be-- my mates got a similar vx running sbd t/ bodies (208 kit) going down to le man classic two years ago he got 35mpg with me at 26mpg- that's going at the same speed etc.
But in the future I think people will want hpc's that are original-- ie carbed- and they will comand more money than cars that have been converted-- just my personal opinion--
Mpg-- best I can get 28mpg-- that's 3d ignition with the plugs a nice straw colour- so that the best it can be-- my mates got a similar vx running sbd t/ bodies (208 kit) going down to le man classic two years ago he got 35mpg with me at 26mpg- that's going at the same speed etc.
But in the future I think people will want hpc's that are original-- ie carbed- and they will comand more money than cars that have been converted-- just my personal opinion--
I get 200 miles to a tank full when doing my mileage/consumption check with no problem-- although giving it the beans when blatting does bring it down to 20/22mpg.
Only ever seen caterhams on webers-although I believe dellortos are the better carbs from what I've read-- I think Alta's/ fiats ran dellortos?
Only ever seen caterhams on webers-although I believe dellortos are the better carbs from what I've read-- I think Alta's/ fiats ran dellortos?
Put a pair of TB's on (like Jenvey or other) and a big bore exhaust (very important in the equation) and get an uber reliable 200BHP out! Better driveability too.
Map to include pops and bangs if you want
I've not seen 45 Delorto's only 40s - ~I guess they do exist..?
Map to include pops and bangs if you want
I've not seen 45 Delorto's only 40s - ~I guess they do exist..?
Edited by Yellow 7 on Monday 26th May 23:21
Brian, don't forget that you have the big 48s, so they will drink far more fuel than the more common 45s. Properly set up webers are quite efficient on middle throttle openings though. Going over to Jenvey throttle bodies is not cheap but will give you more power and efficiency potential. However, if you want a 7 to cherish and enjoy mainly on the road, stick with the webers for a while.
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