ANY TRICKS FOR BETTER GAS MILAGE?

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:16 am

HI

I am using the surbug to commutte 40 miles each way , and gas is really expensive....

I have a pict 34-3 and the idle jet is a 60, I thinking to change it to 55.....

any other tricks to save on gas?

would a header help?
what about cdi? (I have to install this still, just really busy...)

I am running heater boxes, and stock everything else.....blue coil...SVDA...

thanks

big al

Max Welton · Post by **Max Welton** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:45 am

Driving style makes a big difference.

Try to use only the first 1/3 of the gas pedal travel. That should keep you where the vacume advance is present.

Shift short. Don't wind it up too far in each gear.

Keep your cruise speed conservative. My KG seemed to have a sweat spot between 55 and 60.

Get the engine up to its designed operating temp quickly. Make sure the thermostat and flaps work properly.

Max

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:57 pm

well,

I put the 55 jet back in, and when I saw the 60 jet, it looked huge, in comparison to the 55......

So,

I will be able to tell when I drive to work during the week if this little change makes a difference.....

and....

the fuel squirt lever thingy on the right/passenger side of the carb, I moved the lever indicator up....meaning the bolt moved "down" on the indicator one notch.....maybe this will add to better milage.....

the throttle response seems to little bit better.....maybe it is just my head....."hey I just fixed it and it must be better"...syndrome...

I will let you know during the week......

hey, maybe it is time to get the solex 35's and just gitrdone!!!!!

big al

mschilling · Post by **mschilling** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 9:40 pm

Dual carbs usually get better mileage because fuel isn't condensing in side the manifold on its long trip to get burned. Also more fuel isn't necessary to add (the choke) for the same reason. You can get by without chokes on dual carbs easier than with a single because they get heated by the heads in cold weather quicker. That's what I'm running now (kads) as chokes are an expensive luxury, and cut in when you don't really need the extra gas.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:30 pm

i was thinking 35solexes by aircooled.net

is there anything less expensive>?

I am saving......

how about weber 34's that need a rebuild offa ebay?

trouble....right?

I do know how to reb uild a carb ....at least a pict 34......

big a l

mschilling · Post by **mschilling** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:58 am

You should be able to find used Kadrons. Mine are decades old, and I recently got the throttle bushings redone by AJ Sims and now they're better than new. I bought those carbs used back in the 80's for $150.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:50 pm

MSSCHILLING.....

what size cads do you have?

thanks,

big al

mschilling · Post by **mschilling** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 3:02 pm

I've got the originals which are the 40s (compared to 34 stock). Here's a link to Lowbugget's page http://lowbugget.com/Kadron_carb_page.html

volksrod73 · Post by **volksrod73** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 3:28 pm

Keep your foot off the loud pedal.

bajasam96 · Post by **bajasam96** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 11:22 pm

Aircooled is HELLA-expensive!!

!!

If your "savin", thats not the store to do it in

you could get kad's at any swapmeet 1/3 the price

Max Welton · Post by **Max Welton** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:31 am

bajasam96 wrote:Aircooled is HELLA-expensive!! !!

If your "savin", thats not the store to do it in

you could get kad's at any swapmeet 1/3 the price

... and almost certainly need to rebush and recondition them before they will be usable. Figure that cost in and where are you?

Max

RoWaMe · Post by **RoWaMe** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:18 pm

Some basics that apply to all cars: Narrow tires (165 at most for your Beetle), inflated to recommended "highway" rating. Remove excess weight like textbooks, etc. Make sure the front axle is aligned (specifically toe-in) so that your tires are not scrubbing along the pavement. Avoid on/off the gas alot; I realize you live around NYC so that you have to mingle with inevitable traffic, but drive like you were on cruise control- pick a steady speed as goal, then reduce gas slightly when going downhill, give it some when going up to MAINTAIN your speed.

VW_Dale · Post by **VW_Dale** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:08 am

Hi yes a 13/8 inch 4 into 1 merged collector header will help fuel econo.
Also a K/N air filter,strong ing sytem,synthetic fluids in your trans and motor.

surfbug1 · Post by **surfbug1** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:19 pm

very cool.....

I am doing the updates slowly but surely....

hey rowame...the bug is still running....and getting daily use....imagine that!....all the way from the motor on my coffee table to the whitestone bridge toll booth....

big al

thanks!

500LbGorilla · Post by **500LbGorilla** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:27 pm

Al,

Also set your plug gap up a little - about 0.030" might give you slightly better economy from 0.024".