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Wed Jun 23, 2004 1:05 pm

Hi Volks. I recently installed a set of Kadrons on my stock Type 1. (1600)
Carbs run fine and strong but engine misfires. Ignition timing is set up to original specs. Using mechanical advance distributor. I have spoken with Mr. Kadron-A. J. Sims, he recommends vacuum advance, which requires porting carbs ($) and a special vacuum advance distributor ($$). I am looking for a second opinion and a cheaper solution. I don't want to give up on the carbs but I need to make a descision and want to hear from some other peeps.

Thanks for your help.8)

Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:15 pm

Hello!!
I am an afficianado of Kadron carbs. I live in NW Montana, and I have run them for about a year and a half up here, so while I am not an expert, I do have a lot of my own experience with them.

I understand that it is more money to have the carb ported for vacuum, and to get the SVDA, but, there is enough proof that this is the way to go. All vehicles with a plenum manifold, which the Kads have, run vacuum advance. The 009 is set up to be run at full advance, and that is really about it.

Both John at www.aircooled.net and AJ Simms at www.lowbugget.com will tell you the same thing. With vacuum advance, you get the correct amount of advance for the load on your motor, and so, the timing is in the optimal spot. A mechanical advance is somewhat hit or miss.

By running an SVDA or even better, a Unilite dizzy, you will run cooler, get better mileage, less emissions, and, overall, have a happier car. As far as the missing goes, you will need to have your timing set at full advance to about 30 degrees, for some assistance in this, look at the following link. You will need to time this with a timing light, as it cannot be done by ear. I know!!! I have run a 009 for a long time, and now that I am rebuilding my motor, I am going with an SVDA, though I would prefer to get the Unilite, I just don't have the money after everything else I need to get.
Click here;
http://www.lowbugget.com/help_section.html, and http://www.lowbugget.com/adjust.html

Good luck with these, they are good carbs. Also, I HIGHLY recommend getting the Scat linkage, it is worth more than it's weight in gold. Totally set and forget.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Also, read this post entirely, it has some good info. http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71938&start=40&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Bless you my Kadron Brother!!! :lol:
Randy

Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:22 pm

I forgot to ask, are you running a header? For a 1600, you don't need to run a merged, but an extractor and a good muffler, such as a Dynomax if you want it quieter, or one of your choice, this will allow your motor to breathe a lot easier.

Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:00 pm

I daily drive a 1776cc with Kadrons (30mm vents) & 009 in my heavy Bus. I haven't run a SVDA, so I can't compare to that, but with the 009 my engine's performance is excellent. It's gets into the low teens during the winter here and my Bus always starts and idles great. If you can afford the SVDA and carb modifications great - if not you'll still be fine with a 009. As mentioned before GET THE SCAT LINKAGE - I've had it since I built my 1776c, I literally set it once and have not had to touch it since!!! Excellent linkage - Rich.

Thu Jul 01, 2004 12:41 pm

Thanks for the input guys. I do have a few questions and comments I would like to clear up.
First, what is a Dizzy and how do I get one? Are they available from a website.
Second, you recommended setting my timing at 30 degrees, would that be before TDC?
Third, I have a stock Vacuum advance distributor, my car is a 1973 Karmann Ghia and was originally equipped with a 34pict, I was told that this would not work, is this true?
Last, is porting the carbs a complicated procedure or can any skilled machinist with knowledge of proper port location perform this task?

Thanks, for the help. 8)

Thu Jul 01, 2004 1:31 pm

Hey, a dizzy is slang for a distributor. The stock vacuum advance should work, but you should ask john at www.aircooled.net, he amy be able to adjust it for you if it even needs it. In my first post, I included a link to the topic that has the porting location in it. You may verify this with AJ Simms at www.lowbugget.com or with John at aircooled, either can give you the correct timing setting, as well as verify the porting location as is posted in this topic; http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71938&start=40&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

I hope this helps, yes a 009 will work, I ran one on my 77 Standard Beetle and it ran pretty good, but the idea of vacuum advance seems so logical that I am going that route, due the fact of the timing advancing to what the engine needs. A mechanical just cannot do this, true it will be close, but, just not spot on. Besides, with the cost of gas these days, it makes sense to go for the best mileage, besides if you are burning your gas more efficently, then you have more power, lower emissions and less carbon build up thus longer engine life due to less particulate matter in the oil.

Just my opinion, I am not an "expert".