Distributor Recommendation for 2056 w/ Carbs Options

[andrewvolsen]

I am working on rebuilding the carbs and tuning the engine in my '74. What I know (or was told) about it:

• 2056 built on 1.8 EC case and heads
• aftermarket cam (unknown which)
• weber 44 idf carbs with 32mm venturis
• new aftermarket 009 distributor
• SSI 1.7/1.8 heat exchangers with bursch type muffler

From what I've gathered reading other carb and ignition tuning threads on this forum, the 009 is not considered a good distributor for this engine. I have a big box of stock 914 distributors to choose from - which one would be a good choice?

[Superhawk996]

You have a number of hurdles in your way.

The Weber 44 IDF’s are too large. You might want to consider selling those and replacing with 40 IDFs.

A 28mm Venturi is a whole lot more tunable and drivable than 32’s.

The aftermarket Bosch 009 distributors are pretty terrible. I struggled with one for years before I had it recurved to make it usable.

At this point in time, finding a good stock distributor that isn’t struggling with worn out bushings will be a better choice than a 009 but could be a challenge depending on what you have on hand. If you can spare the money, a 123 Distributor is the way to go.

Here’s the link to the Brad Anders site where you can find all the stock distributor part numbers.

https://pbanders.synology.me/914/DJetParts.htm

Here is a chart with various curves including the 009 which shows its lousy advance characteristics.


Note: you don’t specifically mention that your engine is built on a 2.0L crank and rods. Unless these were used, it would be a 1911 engine. (Still fun and that’s what I had my 009 distributor on)

[andrewvolsen]

Thanks for the distributor advance chart, that's helpful.

I was told that the motor was built to a 2056, but the guy that did the work is no longer able to answer questions about it (sad story), so I don't really know. it was running yesterday after I rebuilt one of the carbs. It seemed to pull harder than the stock 1.8s I had in the past, but it's been a long time since I was driving those.

I have a set of Dellorto 40 DRLAs - would they be a better choice for this engine?

[Superhawk996]

I have a set of Dellorto 40 DRLAs - would they be a better choice for this engine?

Yes - way better.

Dells and Weber are basically equivalent though each has it respective fan base. I’ve had both and they are both great.

You’ll get a whole lot better off-idle transition with the 40’s. The 44’s are just too big although they will run, they will never be as nice as the 40’s on the engine you have.

[emerygt350]

Wasn't there two 009s? The Volkswagen one was a dog but the one on the 914 was good? I remember reading that somewhere....



"
Look at the VW number to see if its for a 2.0l 914 as it starts with 039 and will have a vacuum canister on it. This is not the crappy 009 distributor sold at every VW hotrod shop.
It will have the FI trigger points in it, the carb dizzy do not.

Geoff
"

[Superhawk996]

Wasn't there two 009s? The Volkswagen one was a dog but the one on the 914 was good? I remember reading that somewhere....

Yes - but in this case OP said he has a new aftermarket 009. Unfortunately these are still sold as the hot ticket when converting to carbs . . . 40 years later (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) I fell for that (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif) once when I was 20 back when I thought whatever was written in Hot VW’s magazine was gospel. School of hard knocks.

Here is the full Bosch part number from 914 you’re thinking of.

[Jack Standz]

I am working on rebuilding the carbs and tuning the engine in my '74. What I know (or was told) about it:

• 2056 built on 1.8 EC case and heads
• aftermarket cam (unknown which)
• weber 44 idf carbs with 32mm venturis
• new aftermarket 009 distributor
• SSI 1.7/1.8 heat exchangers with bursch type muffler

From what I've gathered reading other carb and ignition tuning threads on this forum, the 009 is not considered a good distributor for this engine. I have a big box of stock 914 distributors to choose from - which one would be a good choice?

First, which distributors are in that box?? Maybe there is one that could work with your carbs.

Next, what is your budget? Do you just want to use what you have or upgrade it to electronic? Do you want one with points or a modern electronic distributor?

The "914" distributors came with points for the fuel injection system. With carbs, you don't need that. And they have points for the ignition system. Points suck when compared with the awesome electronic ignition systems available today.

But, if you want to use what you have to save $$, go for it. You can convert a distributor from your box of distributors to electronic. And if you're going to ever upgrade to modern electronic fuel injection in the future, the 123 might be a good choice (although probably better to just install a crank trigger at that point). So, just suggesting you think about future plans, if you decide to buy a new distributor.

Personally, we like Mallory Unilite electronic distributors (either purely mechanical, although some don't Iike it, there is also a vacuum advance version. We have used both on the type iv motorand other motors.). However, they are NLA like many other older parts for our 914s. Finding one and finding consumables (like caps and rotors) is virtually impossible these days if you don't already have your own supply.

However, MSD also makes some very nice mechanical advance electronic distributors and electronic ignition boxes to compliment them. They are very pricy these days, something over $1,000 for the distributor and ignition box. But, you do get a built-in rev limiter. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Jack Standz]

What are the part numbers on the distributors you're thinking about using from that box?

Maybe post some photos of their condition too. Wobble the shafts back and forth to check for play/wear. No sense using one that's worn out.

[andrewvolsen]

I'll inventory the distributors I have this evening and take some pictures.

My goal right now is to get the car reliable and safe and then put some miles on it. I would like to achieve those goals using as much of its current configuration as possible.

At a later phase of this project I would like to build a 2056 with microsquirt, stock 2.0 intake, wasted spark ignition, etc. I already have many parts stockpiled for this.