Advice needed - Spark plugs, leads and carbs, 914-6 Options

[Dobbsy]

Hello,
I have a few questions that I need help on.
I bought my 6 back in August and it was running rough. I am now replacing the fuel lines with stainless steel and new rubber hoses. I will also be changing the plugs, leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm so everything is new.
The PO has also put a fuel regulator on which I am not sure if that should be there. Is seems a good idea so I plan on keeping it but adding a gauge to see the pressure. Is there a standard for fuel pressure gauges? Any recommendations.

I have not removed the fuel pump yet how do I identify it is correct, do the ones for carbs look the same as injection. I have been caught out by this before.

I have bought an ultrasonic cleaner for when I rebuild the carbs, does anyone know of any good sources / tutorials for this.

I am planning on getting Magnecor leads but the sales assistant asked me to check the coil lead length, the one in the car is 16.5" and the one in their catalogue lists it as 9.5”. as the one in the car looks longer than it should do, I believe the correct length should be 9.5”. Is this correct?

Spark plugs, what do people recommend, either sticking with the standard rating plug or selecting a colder rating, the car will only be used on the road.

When I took the fuel tank out and removed the fittings from the bottom there was not a gauze filter, should the be one on a 1970 car. What is the method of choice for cleaning the tank out, there is a bit of light rust inside.

[Retroracer]

Dobbsy - good questions, welcome to the fun of driving a -6!

Everything Porschetub said is very valid; he I are running very similar set ups. Get a fuel pressure gauge (got mine from Jegs I think) and with a 2.2l and Zeniths 3-4 PSI seems to be the sweet spot. You didn't mention your engine /carb setup, so these specs may vary - however a functioning fuel pressure reg after the pump is not a bad thing anyway. Post a picture of your fuel pump and the folks here can tell you what you have (if you're not sure).

RE: "there was not a gauze filter, should the be one on a 1970 car. What is the method of choice for cleaning the tank out, there is a bit of light rust inside."

couple of things here:

1) the gauze should be there, but the real need is to get an in-line filter before the fuel pump; and usual recommendation is another (or two) between the pressure reg and the carbs.

2) If the tank has sat for any length of time (months /years), I'd recommend pulling it and get it to a radiator shop to boil it out and clean it; then treat it internally with one of the various petrol resistant coatings. Here in the US there are places that do this for a reasonable cost, not sure about the UK options for this. Well worth it and eliminates that variable for any future rough running issues.

- Tony