Distributor Recommendation for 2056 w/ Carbs Options

[andrewvolsen]

I am working on rebuilding the carbs and tuning the engine in my '74. What I know (or was told) about it:

• 2056 built on 1.8 EC case and heads
• aftermarket cam (unknown which)
• weber 44 idf carbs with 32mm venturis
• new aftermarket 009 distributor
• SSI 1.7/1.8 heat exchangers with bursch type muffler

From what I've gathered reading other carb and ignition tuning threads on this forum, the 009 is not considered a good distributor for this engine. I have a big box of stock 914 distributors to choose from - which one would be a good choice?

[andrewvolsen]

Thanks for the distributor advance chart, that's helpful.

I was told that the motor was built to a 2056, but the guy that did the work is no longer able to answer questions about it (sad story), so I don't really know. it was running yesterday after I rebuilt one of the carbs. It seemed to pull harder than the stock 1.8s I had in the past, but it's been a long time since I was driving those.

I have a set of Dellorto 40 DRLAs - would they be a better choice for this engine?

[Superhawk996]

I have a set of Dellorto 40 DRLAs - would they be a better choice for this engine?

Yes - way better.

Dells and Weber are basically equivalent though each has it respective fan base. I’ve had both and they are both great.

You’ll get a whole lot better off-idle transition with the 40’s. The 44’s are just too big although they will run, they will never be as nice as the 40’s on the engine you have.