TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:26 pm

Hi there. I currently have an english GP Buggy Mk1 (like a manx) www.yellowbuggy.co.uk and would really like to fit twin 40 solex kadron carbs to it. Thing is, i don't know if they will fit.

could someone measure how high up they sit (with air cleaner) from the cylinder head tins and how far out they sit (are they in line with the dynamo)?

I really would appreciate it.

Look at my website for pics.

Thanks

Alan (Ireland)
yellowmitch@gmail.com

Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:20 pm

Does that other yellow buggy have dual carbs? If so you should have a very good idea how they will fit your body. Kadrons don't really like the poor scavanging of split dual exhausts. You would do well to change to a 4 into 1 system. Dynamo? I that english (UK) for generator? Yah the carbs will be outboard of that but slightly inboard of your dual mufflers.

Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:11 am

Cool man.

I will check that other buggy out. Yeah, dynamo is english uk fo generator!

I really wanted the twin exhaust set up. You think it is bad?

What should I go for to gain looks, power and smooth running?

Wed Apr 19, 2006 4:03 am

you may also run into problems with dual carbs and twin exhaust. A lot of dual exhaust runs too close to the cyl. head and will not allow you to bolt up dual carbs. Even if they do bolt up your intakes will be right next to your exhaust, which will kill your performance.

Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:04 am

I ran into clearance issues with the aircleaners and rear braces on mine - If I can make Kads fit on my buggy, you should be able to on yours.

I also had clearance issues with the dual exhaust and had to replace mine. I would seriously consider a 4 into 1 on yours, but I did stay with duals, but there is supposed ot be a performance improvement with a 4 into 1.

Anyway - suggestions if you have problems with air cleaners. I got a set of K&Ns that are technically for a snowmobile. They are cone shaped and have 10 degree angle. K&N makes almost any size and shape that you can imagine, so you can get the carbs in in and start measuring.

You also will have an issue adapting other air cleaners to the Kads. They use a cross piece that screws to the top of the carb that has a long bolt that goes through the top of the aircleaner to hold it on.

The top of the kads don't have very much to attach a slip on aircleaner to. I have not found anything already made for this - Don't have time to give you details what I did, but will repost a little later

Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:02 am

OK - back - Here is what I did and it can give you some ideas.

I used a swap meet cheapy aircleaner to provide a taller ring to slip on the K&N. I cut it apart to leave a ring that was about 3/4" tall that fit snugly on the carb throat. I simply slipped the K&N over it and tightened the clamp. (This worked on the drivers side)

On the passeneger side I had interference with a brace, so I did something completely different. I found a rubber(?) adapter/fitting that is used for cold air intakes - Was about the right diameter and it had a thicker adapter that fit inside (I think it was to adapt a 2 1/2 or so tube to a larger tube. Anyway - I notched it so it fit around the stubs at the top sides of teh carb (wanted it to overlap the carb more for a better seal). I then needed to make a 90 degree bend and used an elbow that was about 2 1/2" diameter (used for a water drain pipe) clmaped that into the adapter and slipped the filter over the other end.

If I had a teh fabrication skills and the materials, I would have made adapters out of metal, but I made do with what I had.

Bottom line is that you can come up with whatever you need to make it work. Good luck

Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:22 am

Thanks for all the help guys.

I contacted the guy with the other buggy and he says that I can call up to see his car and his carb setup.

I am thnking on buying the carbs from lowbugget.com AJ Simms.

He seems to be an expert, what do you guys think?

Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:47 am

AJ Simms is the Kadron expert - save youself a LOT of problems and just order them from him - also get his linkage - The stock Kadron linkage is not very good and his is a HUGE improvement.

If you do a search on Samba, you will find many that feel the same way.

One more thing - II didn't notice what you distributor. f you haev a mechanical advance and don't want to change, get the optional vacuum port on the kadrons anyway, because you will want to go to a vacuum advance eventually.

Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:07 pm

I Definitely think that I will be buying from him

Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:49 pm

Hi there.

Just been speaking to Joe over at AJ Sims.

He seems to really know what he is talking about.

Also went tonight to see the other beach buggy with dual carbs to measure up how he fitted them.

Have now ordered a kadron kit with lowbugget linkage, svda distributor, vent kit, polyurethane throttle bodies, electric chokes, shorter inlet manifolds and shorter air cleaners.

Hope this is a good job!

Alan

Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:15 pm

You should be very happy with that set up. Enjoy.

Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:15 pm

Hello Alan,
I ran that same set up on my Karmann Ghia and just loved it. The vacuum advanced dist is the way to go, so much smoother off of idle and once jetted they run great. Please take the time to get them dialed in correctly, it makes a huge difference in the way your car runs, it does take some time to get it jetted right. I am fortunate to live close to AJ's shop and he helped me quite a bit in getting it jetted correctly.
Thanks for the kind remarks about Joe, he is my son.
Steve

Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:58 pm

andk5591 wrote: AJ Simms is the Kadron expert - save youself a LOT of problems and just order them from him - also get his linkage - The stock Kadron linkage is not very good and his is a HUGE improvement.

If you do a search on Samba, you will find many that feel the same way.

One more thing - II didn't notice what you distributor. f you haev a mechanical advance and don't want to change, get the optional vacuum port on the kadrons anyway, because you will want to go to a vacuum advance eventually.

Putting dual Kad 40's on my El Lobo. A.J. is doing the bushings, machining, etc. Also having him tune my distributor including electronic ignition. Go with the vauum advance for driveability. For Kads then there is only one choice. Incredibly cool and helpful guy. Go with A.J.

Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:47 am

Hey steve,

Yeah, Joe reccomended a fuel regulator to keep a constant pressure going to the carbs that I did not realise could be purchased.

It's info like this that made me try lowbugget!

Joe told me that they are pretty busy over there right now, but I am hoping to get my new setup as soon as possible and experience it for myself!

I am located in Ireland, so it has a long journey to make!

Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:02 pm

Hi guys,

As well as fitting the kadron carbs to my buggy, I am also fitting a new transmission, new mexico built vw 1600 engine, new stainless exhaust, new alternator and new facet electric fuel pump.

What I want to ask is a LONG list!!! :)

1. Do I need a crankcase breather where the stock fuel pump goes, or just a blanker plate?

2. How do I connect in the fuel regulator and fuel pump?

3. Should I assemble the engine and trans in one piece and install them that way, or should I install them as 2 seperate entitys?

4. If you look at the rear of my car on www.yellowbuggy.co.uk I think the the wheel camber is wrong. The top of the back wheel sits too far out. How do I adjust this?

5. The new transaxle that I have purchased has a different crown wheel and pinion to provide taller gearing for cruising. Was this a good idea?

6. Is there much work (what wiring) involved in changing from a stock generator to an alternator?

7. Does my old engine (a 1300 twin port AR engine) have a 180mm or 200mm flywheel, as I may have to run it with the new trans whilst I wait for my carbs and stuff to arrive from the states?

8. Is this all I need to know, how bored are you guys from reading this!!

I work mostly at Ford cars and old british land rovers and therefore do not have very much mechanical experience with bugs yet and hence need to ask these questions!

Thanks again

Alan

Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:28 pm

will reply to what I can and I am sure you will have the rest of the answers soon.

As well as fitting the kadron carbs to my buggy, I am also fitting a new transmission, new mexico built vw 1600 engine, new stainless exhaust, new alternator and new facet electric fuel pump.

What I want to ask is a LONG list!!!

1. Do I need a crankcase breather where the stock fuel pump goes, or just a blanker plate? You need some sort of breather - I am using a Clyde Berg (from lowbugget) that attaches to my oil filler tube via a hose. As far as a blank plate, for the old fuel pump, lowbugget may have those as well.
2. How do I connect in the fuel regulator and fuel pump?

3. Should I assemble the engine and trans in one piece and install them that way, or should I install them as 2 seperate entitys?

4. If you look at the rear of my car on www.yellowbuggy.co.uk I think the the wheel camber is wrong. The top of the back wheel sits too far out. How do I adjust this?

5. The new transaxle that I have purchased has a different crown wheel and pinion to provide taller gearing for cruising. Was this a good idea? This seems to be pretty typical - later model transmission are geared different to reduce RPMs at cruise speed - I am doing the same thing in a couple weels

6. Is there much work (what wiring) involved in changing from a stock generator to an alternator? VERY Easy. Your one thin wire to the regulator goes to the lug on the alternator and the heavy wire or wires (mine had 2) from the battery go to the stud. Simple and clean

7. Does my old engine (a 1300 twin port AR engine) have a 180mm or 200mm flywheel, as I may have to run it with the new trans whilst I wait for my carbs and stuff to arrive from the states?

8. Is this all I need to know, how bored are you guys from reading this!!

I work mostly at Ford cars and old british land rovers and therefore do not have very much mechanical experience with bugs yet and hence need to ask these questions!

Thanks again

Alan