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  #1  
Old 09-13-2013, 05:58 PM
cropdusterdave cropdusterdave is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 146
Default Carb for 160 HP upgrade

I had my O-320 E2A overhauled and converted to 160 HP. My origional carb is a MA4-SPA 3678-32.....But I'm wondering if I'd be better off with a different carb? My engine guy said the old one would be fine but I need to get a new or overhauled one anyway so figured I'd see if anyone has any useful input.
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  #2  
Old 09-13-2013, 08:01 PM
Randle Randle is offline
 
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Location: Atascosa, TX
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Your engine guy is correct, the 160 hp variant of your engine also uses the -32 carb. If it was my choice, instead of investing an additional $800-$1100 on a new or rebuilt carb, sell the one you have and take the money towards an Airflow Performance or equivalent fuel injection setup.
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  #3  
Old 09-14-2013, 07:16 AM
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agirard7a agirard7a is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Newport, RI
Posts: 705
Default Same upgrade

I upgraded from 150-160. I was told the carb jet
Could be slightly opened up to allow more fuel. I had my carb
Rebuilt and they did this for me.
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  #4  
Old 09-14-2013, 07:48 AM
cropdusterdave cropdusterdave is offline
 
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Thanks for the info!
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  #5  
Old 09-14-2013, 07:50 AM
Randle Randle is offline
 
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ReJetting the carb is a very common action to take, but Dave doesn't have the engine running yet, so if he were to open either of the jets up now, he may be needing that material back when he is in phase 1. With the external adjustments that can be made to the MA4SPA's accelerator pump and idle circuit, it will be easy to find out if the carb will need opened back up or can fly-as-is.
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  #6  
Old 09-14-2013, 09:11 AM
Finley Finley is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sharon Grove, KY
Posts: 86
Default MA4-SPA 3678-32

I just bought the same carb from ACS. I have an 0-320 D2B 160HP. I have my DAR on the hook for next week so we'll see how it works shortly!
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  #7  
Old 09-14-2013, 04:41 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Location: Dallas area
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Just as a data point, I changed my 7:1 pistons to 9.5:1 pistons over 800 hrs ago.
I did nothing to the original carb and it is still running perfectly today. I'm getting approximately 175 hp.
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  #8  
Old 09-14-2013, 11:07 PM
cropdusterdave cropdusterdave is offline
 
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Location: Fargo, ND
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Thanks Mel! I have heard that the increase in compression actually results in less fuel burn......
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  #9  
Old 09-15-2013, 11:31 PM
glenn654 glenn654 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 592
Smile

I would suggest buying an Ellison TBI, it is more expensive than a carb but it is significantly more than efficient than a carb.

I flew one on my RV-4 O-320 160 HP, Lycoming for ten years and when properly set up never had a single problem with it. I could run much leaner than a carb which saved fuel. I also believed the engine produced a little more power cause my manifold perssure used to run approx an 1" higher at cruise settings.

I have no connection to Ellison in any way other than being a happy customer.

Glenn Wilkinson
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  #10  
Old 09-16-2013, 01:12 PM
cropdusterdave cropdusterdave is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fargo, ND
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I have been considering a Rotec TBI. (much less $$) I'm worried about the rigging as I've just ran all my cables and would hate to re-do everything when I could simply bolt on a carb. How does the Ellison differ setup wise from the carb?
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