Beetle SP 1600

[frikfoto]

1978 - VW Beetle SP1600
I’m still not sure if this is a genuine SP or a converted model however for those experts, herewith
the Engine and Body plate details
Body Plate
114Z EA 436 2276
9-40/061
M7321 M1978
1182 014 740

Engine No,
FA S447051 0
Any light and info regarding these numbers will be greatly appreciated

I recently stripped the carbs and would like to share what was found, and would like if anyone can
confirm the correctness of the jets

SOLEX H32/34 PDSI 2/3
Description RH / Side LH / Side
Pilot/Idle Jet G52.5 G05.5
Needle and Seat Assembly 1.2 1.2
Air Correction Jet 110 110
Main Jet 155 155
Venturi Tubes 32. 34. 240 32. 34. 240


This bug can be found on the highway between Pretoria and JHB every day and runs at 120 kph - Speedo reading and sometimes even being caught on camera at 131 - fuel consumption varies from 8.16 L/100km to 11.45 L/100 km depending on the tuning of these carbs, they do not stay correct for long, might consider replacing them with Weber’s or empi’s.

Only other changes are a Flame Thrower Distributor and an Empi Oil breather system.

Regards
Frikfoto

[Dawie]

All SP carb sets that i opened had 110 air correction, 155 main, and 24mm venturies. These carbs have emulsion tubes that differ totally from other carbs of the PDSIT family, and therefore uses this weird (main jet versus venturi size) jetting.

One can have the throttle shafts rebushed if this really bothers you. Bought a set from a guy who's idiot mechanic took them off and downgraded to a single. Supposedly too "worn out" at the time. That was 25 years ago, and now over 200 000 kilos later still fine. Just use common sense and regularly adjust the linkage so that both carbs start opening at the same time.

Around the late 70's the "SP" sticker/stripes was available from the VW parts department. Some people stuck these on normal beetles. At some stage the SP beetle could be optionally ordered without the "GT stripe". (At the time, some complained that it looked "common", and would better suit a Cortina). However, nearly all SP's had the stripe.

[JamesD]

What time are you on the highway in the mornings?

[frikfoto]

Hi JamesD69
Im on the highway every morning around 04h15 at Samrand moving to Beyers Naudee
Regards

Hi Dawie
Thanks for the info, Throttle shafts is fine, however battle to get gasket set for carbs these are badly worn.
Regards

[Dawie]

What i did was to use a piece of flat plate glass and waterpaper with water. The throttle body part and cover for accelerator pump diaphragm was then lapped flat on this surface. Same with top part of carb, so that all sealing surfaces are flat and smooth. Ending with 1200 grit paper. The accelerator pump diaphragm i found separate at a parts place. ("as per sample").
Top gaskets from kombi pdsit carb kit can be used. (Or make your own). Kombi carb only has 5 screws for top cover ,where SP ones have 6, but gaskets should still work. However, gasket must be of same thickness, otherwise needle& seat will be at different height, and different thickness washers under needle& seat must then be used to main correct float level. Some kits had incorrect 1.5mm needle& seat or poor quality pirate ones, so it's usually best to keep the old 1.2mm ones it they are still fine.

[frikfoto]

Dear Dawie,
Thanks again for the response, I appreciate your feedback and find it very helpful

[RICKY-R69]

So why would a guy name himself Foto and not put pics of his alleged SP? Suspicious!

[Retrobug]

So why would a guy name himself Foto and not put pics of his alleged SP? Suspicious!