carburettors?!! help!

[lostlemming]

hey everybody.
I'm thinking of putting a weber 32/36 carb on my 1641 engine (i've posted some pics of my engine somewhere on randomnights, inc. a spec list) its been fairly modded (racing cam/big heads etc) but has a 34 PICT carb.
The only bad thing about it tho is that around town i'm getting 15 to 18 mpg and as i'm a student i do a lot of around town driving and am often stuck in traffic. I have been told that if I change to a weber 32/36 carb, it will be better on fuel around town, as at low rev's it only operating on the 32mm bit and not using the 36mm until somewhere around 2500 - 3000 rpm.
Will I get better mpg? I have spoke to several different people and got mixed responses - some say I will get better MPG and even more power, and some say I will get worse MPG but more power.
Can anyone help or give me an idea of whether I should stick with or dump the stock carb for a 32/36?
Also do anyone know how to get better MPG out of a heavily modified 1641, without reducing the power?!!

Thanks,
Neil

[Big Al]

In theory like you say you shoudl be running on the 32 at idle and then the 36 on throttle but I'm not sure in reality if this works as never run one before. Has your current carb been setup correctly, so not running too rich etc? is your idle/tickover set correctly etc?

Now don't quote me on this but I believe the best mpg and power can be obtained using dual carbs. something like dual 34's. I used to use these on a mild 1776 and they returned about 22mpg when was tuned up and not driven heavily, but could be made to drink hell of a lot faster when giving it stink!
webber ict 34's with all the gubbins will set you back about £200 2nd hand

Do you own the 32/36 carb already? I'm thinking if not you could spend a similar amount and keep your eyes open for an LPG kit? I just picked one up for my t25 for about £200 (tbc) 2nd hand. (if its no good for what I need I'll let you know, has a gas ring for a 15/1600) You do get a reduction in performance (plus the additional weight of the tank), but a guy at work who has this setup says its not especially noticable and there is always the option to click back over to petrol at the flick of a switch if you need to
Doesn't return better MPG than petrol but as is half the price to fill up you are in effect doubling the miles you get for the same ££, thats 36mpg to you then!

Have you put this question up on volkszone? loads more people there that may give you good advice

[Big Al]

have you spoken to mick? Kerbsideautos on vzi? he's the carb man round our area though think specialises in Dells.

[lostlemming]

hello Al, havent posted on here for some time, but I have found out the probem to my fuel consumption problem. The mileometer is out by approx 55%, damn thing, wish i'd known in the first place and hence my mpg isnt really that bad.
just bought a weber 32/36 and getting it fitted this week.
Cheers for the information though!

Neil