Adam talks 15/17 basic Weber Setup

Firstly there is no point fitting Webers to a standard engine, the minimum modifications you need to have are,

1. Raised compression, shave the head.

2. Modified camshaft, Wade and Crow do regrinds, Wade have several Renault patterns in stock.

3. Larger valves, not 100% necessary, but as Webers flow so well at higher engine speeds, they can add a lot to the top end of the rev range.

Webers placed on a standard engine will give a lot of noise, high fuel consumption and poor drivability . There are two options for manifolds, either make your own, as Volker did, or simply by some beautiful cast alloy ones from Ken at,
Caravelle Motor Imports
Work: +61 3 9 890 9061
Fax: +61 3 9 899 5923
14 Rowern Crt
North Box Hill
Melbourne, Victoria 3129
Australia.

(Blatant plug).

Vibration isolating rubbers will have to be purchased, however be careful no matter which style you choose.
As I learned from experience, over tightening the mounting bolts can lead to splits in the O-rings, allowing air leaks, and burning out valves. I also found I needed to buy longer bolts than the ones supplied with the fitting kit, as none of the Nylocks reached the locking part of the nut.

Don,t forget to drill the manifolds to allow fitting of a connector for the servo vacuum hose, also fitting a one way valve to the servo line. Now you,re down to choosing your Webers, this is where you need to exercise some self control. Twin 45 DCOE,s are very nice to have, but 40 DCOE,s will give a definite advantage in traffic, at the expense of a slight power and response loss at the top of the rev range.

On a 17 TS spec engine, I found 40 DCOE,s off a 1600 cc Alfa engine (or Fiat/Lancia) to have almost perfect Emulsion tube and jet settings, needing only the main jets reduced one size to give perfect tune on a Dyno. However if you want to play, make sure you know what you are doing, or take the car to someone that does. A standard mechanical fuel pump will cope with the increased demand until around 7200 RPM in top (180 KPH) or so, so there is no need for an electric fuel pump.

Linkages can be a problem, home made ones often don,t allow for balancing of the carbs, and can be abrupt in their actions, having custom linkages made can be expensive, however Demon Tweeks in England, does a mail order set, to Rally specifications (Twin cable, and springs), which are easy to fit very accurate and easily adjustable, and don,t cost the earth. Check Volkers or my car to see these sets in action.

Lastly air filters, there are many different types, brand preference and looks influencing most people, foam re-oilable types such as Lynx Ramflows are neat and though expensive to buy are very efficient, long lasting and easy to clean and oil.

Myths that Webers quickly go out of tune are mostly wrong, they do need careful setting up, but once balanced only need readjusting every 5000 to 7000 KM (Personal experience), about service time anyway.

Make damn sure you really want Webers, the advantages they can give can be amazing but the also come with their own set of problems. Anyone wanting more information or addresses is welcome to contact me, details at the back of the mag.

The Supreme Dictator "Adam Schonekas"

R17 Rally Special Engine Bay,
with air box and Filter cover.

R17 Rally Special Engine Bay,
without the filter

R17 Rally Special Engine Bay,
with just bare carbies.