fuel delvery options, d-jet vs carbs Options

[orangecrate]

I'm finally getting closer to getting the Cruel Mistress on the road . (Read I'm putting things together instead of taking them apart) I'VE dumped a ton of new parts in this rig and alot of time and energy. I want to actually use it as I believe it was designed for, a touring car. Like several thousand mile trips. AZ to WA. Hwy 1. The Rockies. Million Dollar Hwy. Road trips. Engine rebuilt. Trans refurbished . New brakes, bearings,etc. Mechanically in very good shape. Electrical Eh the light and signals work and wipers. My concern is being stranded somewhere by my 50+ yr old FI. D-jet. In terms of reliability, would I be better off to run carbs and if so what setup? She's a 72 1.7 ,stock motor. If I stick with the Djet , what spares should I take? What are your thoughts on converting to Mega Squirt to control the FI?? This is not a high end build. Thanks for your thoughts , insights and time. Robin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Jack Standz]

Interesting question.

Ran a carbureted '72 1.7 liter for 15+ years.

Simple to maintain, but if you set the jets for Apache Junction (elevation around 1700 feet), it can have problems with maintaining the proper air fuel ratio (AFR) at higher altitudes you're likely to run into during your travels. Use an AFR gauge to get the carbs dialed in and you'll be good around town.

Spares? Take maintenance tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, things like that), spare accelerator cable, carb cleaner (in case you get dirt in the idle circuit, etc) and a spare fuel filter. Carbs are pretty simple.

Modern fuel injection is a better (but more expensive) way to go. MicroSquirt or MegaSquirt.