hi all, just built my 1916 took it for a run and well im not real impressed.
im actually looking for any ideas why?
it has c/w crank, berg 310 cam which is 304 degree duration and 380 thou lift. stock rockers, stock ported heads with 42 and 37 mm valves and heavy springs. exhaust is a thunderbird system with hotdog.
now im using my twin kadrons which are jetted as stock so does anyone think they are the problem? or am i wishing for too much?
this motor originally had twin 45mm dells on it. so maybe it needs bigger carbs?
the car is a 1500 beetle with IRS pan.
any comments would b greatly appreciated
thanks
Andrew

Are you getting full throttle on the kadrons ? I'm no engine builder, and I certainly dont know berg cams at all, but I would think that stock jetted Kadrons might not be enough for a 1916. I'm assuming the thunderbird system is 1 5/8 inches, if its smaller then that could choke things a bit I guess.

Check your ignition - coil, high tension lead, spark plug leads and spark plugs (plug gaps, insulation and condition), dizzy condition. If the ignition is weak then you wont get the power.

Check the timing too.

Sounds like a good little motor !!! Let us all know if you sort the issue.

The 45mm Dells will defiently make it run better.

done a plug reading?
Does it pop and fart - or just "lame" on the power?
Valves / rocker geometry? - checked and rechecked?
All cylinders equal? - no valves tight and holding open?

Unless re-jetted i would say the Kads are choking the motor.
Have you had a read of the lowbugget.com site. Email AJ Simms and ask him

I think it's most likely that you are running lean with that combo.

That will certainly cut back on power.

Have a read of John Connolly's articles on jetting on his web site (tech articles) at http://www.aircooled.net 

The kadrons will definitely be restricting that motor, especially at higher rpm

yeah thanks for the replys everyone just wanted a range of opinions. im pretty sure myself that its the kadrons. the motor used to have 45 dells on it but as i have only one i had to use what i got.
the engines compression ratio is 8:1.

does anyone know where or who sells kadron parts here in australia?

and are parts still available for the 45 DRLA dells?

Peter Richards
02 6565 0067

Stan Pobjoy
02 6650 9616

see how ya go

Sorry to do this, but someone's gotta tell you - you've over-cammed. A GB310 doesn't come in until 3000rpm - you need a custom gearbox and a race-track to make it work (and a good head porter.)

Tear the engine down and fit a say, GB308, and you'll love it. Even a 309, with fuel injection; but, even then, you'll need a professional to set your carbs up (or fuel injection, preferably.)

Oh, and refit the Dells - whatever it costs to set them up will be worth it (and, you'll never make this combo work well with Kadrons.)

[Edited on 4-12-2002 by 70AutoStik]

All cams from GB 307 up are designed for ratio rockers of at least 1.4 according to GBs technical manual.Equal to Engle K-8.

this engine i bought was in pieces but with the big valves and mild porting it should go well. berg himself says its a " good all round cam" so it should perform, just need the dells i think

Yes, lugnuts - reread the original post and noticed the same thing after I posted. Berg calls it a "good all round cam," because he's (was) an American, and figures if you can make it run at lower revs through the use of dual 2BBL carbs, a 3000-6500 rpm range is good for the street! I'm sure if you prep your heads for, and fit, the correct rockers, you'll find it rather hard to drive it "on the cam" around town. If you fit the ratio rockers (requires a bit of head work - dual valve springs, quality retainers, guides topped) and refit the Dells, you'll find your engine will be really nice around town and will put a real smile on your face when you get a chance to really work it.

At the moment it might seem pretty poor - the kadrons won't be coping with the pulses from your cam at all lower revs (and it probably idles like a fuellie,) and shortly after the cam comes in, the lack of lift will be choking it. Go the Dells and Rockers - you'll love it! and you'll be surprised at the fuel economy!

dont suppose you could get a cheap aftermarket fuel injection happening. They really open up the breathing and will enrich up in the 5000 rpm when the cam starts to work. ( just joshing about the 5000, I dont know this cam)