Jeff Ireland
Ireland Engineering, Duarte, California

Tips
The stock 2002 carbs work well if they are in good condition. However, very few 25-year-old carbs are in good condition. Worn-out carbs have the following types of problems: poor idle, poor starting, poor gas mileage, won't pass smog, poor driveability especially at low speed, etc.

Preferences
The normal replacement is the Weber 32/36 with a water choke. These are smog-legal and offer a performance improvement. The 32/36 is also available with manual or electric choke. Early cars with single barrel carb will need the later 2 barrel manifold; we sell these manifolds for $50.

Increased performance can be had with the Weber 38 DGAS. This is not a progressive carb, i.e. both barrels open together. I don't quote horsepower, but you can definitely feel the difference between the 32/36 and the 38. Stock linkage works with both. All the Webers need an adaptor to properly fit the stock 2 barrel air cleaner. Most everyone switches to the rectangular chrome K&N type air cleaner; we sell these for $20.

Another possibility is the 40 DGAV. I do not recommend these. It offers a very small performance increase on modified engines but costs a lot more, requires linkage modifications and must be re-jetted

Cost
The 32/36 water choke is $259. The 38 DGAS is $305. The 40 DGAV is $425 plus about $30 in jets.

Mileage
The 32/36 offers 18 to 19 mpg in town and 25 to 28 mpg on the highway. The 38 offers 16 to 17 mpg in town and 24 to 26 on the highway. As always, your mileage may vary.

Postscript
The other thing that all 2002 owners should consider is an electronic ignition. It improves driveability, gas mileage and starting. In general, being nearly maintenance-free, it make your life easier.

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