fuel injected or carbureted?

[Bob G]

OK, looking to purchase a nice 78 to 82 Spider and in my search, have to make the decision on fuel injection or carb. I purchased a brand new 78 spider and now want to get back in the game. Any thoughts?

 

[Liquid Knight II]

Depends if you live in the United States of America or the totalitarian state of California.

Early fuel injection was primarily a form of emissions control if you have smog laws to contend with it would be the only option. Anywhere else carb' or carb's are more in character of the car.

 

[AndyRKett]

On an older car like a 70/80s spider I would edge more towards the carbs as they are far more simple to work on and old injection systems can prove expensive and problematic.

 

[rallycinq]

I'd go with carbs providing you can get it past the smog test in your state.

The injection saps power

D

 

[DaveMcT]

Go for either but take the parts off and store them safely. Then fit a modern fuel injections system with programmable ECU. That will do the engine a favour keep the emissions reasonable and you can pop it back to standard any time you like.

If you really need originality, then carbs would get my vote as I can restore them myself. BTW, I know a specialist who restores old Italian carbs.

 

[Ralf S.]

The engine was made for carburettors so that's my choice.

If you need it to pass "injector" level of emissions controls, or you use it as a dily driver, then injectors would serve the purpose.


Ralf S.