TheSamba.com :: View topic - What carbs & airfilters do buggies run offroad?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:31 pm

I currently have what I beleive is a factory carb, with an EMPI non foam filter. I think it may be running slightly rich, and was seeing if I should use this carb or go with something else. Also would like a different air filter.

Is the Zenith good for a 1600?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:57 pm

My current setup

Stock carb?

I beleive dual port?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:58 pm

yes you can run a stock carb off road. im not sure on filter options for a stock carb. it think you can just clamp on a K&n if you cant. you can get pre filters for them to. i have had good luck with them on 4 wheelers and such in the sand.

Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:59 pm

that looks like a empi 32/36 carb. thats what i run. i dont think there is many filter options for that. yes it is a dual port.

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:02 pm

Any way to determine the carb make/model? Also, what filter do you run? WHat jetting are you currently using? It says 26 and 27 in the small circles?

Thanks for the help!!

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:06 pm

if you look at the bottom edge around the carb it will say like- 32/36f or somthing like that. if its empi it will be stamped in the side of it. i dont know what jets it has. i did have to rebuild it but i dont remember the sizes. take your filter off and get it running, rev it up a bunch and slap your hand on top of the carb. it will clear out the fuel in the bowl. i only say this because i had water in my fuel and it made it really rich acting. i got it out by doing this and it ran great after that

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:11 pm

The factory engines cave very under carbonated.

If your going to be off roading in really bumpy conditions, It would serve you well to stick with a single carburetor as opposed to duals. There is less fuel slosh with a carburetor mounted midway between the weals. The zenith NDIX carb is one of the best out there for the bumpy stuff. But to be honest, fuel slosh isn't going to be a major deal in most cases, and in most cases dual carbs would work great.

As far as air filters go, GO BIG or Go HOME. Well...sorta. The thing is, the more filter element surface aria you have for a given volume of air that passes through the element, the longer it will last before you need to service your air cleaner. This becomes very apparent if you plan on raising a lot of dust off roading. Dual stage cleaners are great, weather it be a simple fine mesh sand screen, a good oiled foam wrap, or an advanced centrifugal pre filter. That cupeled with a paper or gauss final stage element is a recipe for a solid filtration set up. it also would be to your advantage to have a shield of some sort cover the element for added protection.

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:35 pm

Dixon cass you are correct! It does say 32/36 on the bottom flange of the carb.

As per the zenith, do I need any adapter plates etc? Buy it, jet it, and go?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:52 pm

alot of people dont like the empi carb but i like mine. i would just rebuilt it and rejet it if you need to. thats the cheapest thing to do

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:12 pm

I can't seem to find a rebuild kit? Or a jet kit for that matter? I'm still very new to the whole bug thing (day 2 lol), and who has what etc.

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:29 pm

http://www.chircoestore.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=133_460_776

you need to find out if its deffinatly a empi carb. there are different models to. mine is the 32/36F.

http://www.carbkitus.com/

these are good places to start once you know exactly what you have

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:37 pm

I will look at the letter after the numbers tomarrow, but how can I tell for sure if it's an EMPI?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:42 pm

it will be stamped on it. im just not sure what the Webber 32/36 look like so it might be that one to. just look all over the carb for markings

Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:40 pm

Dual 44s and use the k&n filters oiled and outerwares.I really want to go with dual element foams though.IMO they filter better esp in dusty conditions.

You still need to oil them too

Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:51 pm

dont run a k&n they get clogged easier

if you can afford an ump air filter get one of those

I run one that looks like this one

http://www.racereadyproducts.com/air-filtration/race-ready-products-disposible-filter/

Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:24 am

have heard great things about UMP, however I have also heard of the power they rob (atleast on V8's- was going to put one on my truck). Also with my carb setup the filter would have to be rectangular. And yes, I also prefer oiled foam filters, I run twin air/uni on my dirtbike and feel it works good., plus easier to clean/dry. I will try to search the carb for a brand name today, and see from there...

Also, can anyone identify my distributor?

Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:41 pm

I would suggest you clean or replace your current element and then add a foam sleeve around it for the large particles... at least, thats what I do. I actually have two spare foam sleeves and swap them out halfway through the weekend... and clean the main element as necessary. You can get the foam wraps in all different shapes and sizes from primeline, which makes replacement parts for lawnmowers and stuff...

Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:50 pm

You need to replace the rubber boots [where the hose clamps are] on your intake manifold too, they are cracked and you probably have a vacuum leak. It looks like you have a Weber 32/36 DVG or Weber progressive [the rebuild kits are the same for the EMPI as well] It is a very simple carb to work on but can be a pain to tune on a VW with out manifold heat, the 2 tubes that run down to the exhaust tubes at the heads. There is a post in the "High performance/Transaxle" forum that you can search for.

Casey

Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:52 pm

Well I took it off at lunch today, turns out to be a weber. VW paradise has a rebuild kit in stock(sweet!). What all does the rebuild kit come with? Also- my choke linkage is not hooked up to anything, and the butterflies are gone. Soo... I may seal where the linkage comes into the carb body as this could allow dirt to enter

Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:05 pm

How are these aircleaner sock prefilters? Work ok? I was thinking of getting two for my dual kadrons, thanks.