What's the most simple and low-cost mod to 'downgrade' a FI and HEI 1984, 190e Mercedes 4-cyl. gas? I want to entertain the possibility of running the 2.3l motor for short-term and/or emergency with a 2 bbl carb and points.
I did this conversion last year with my Chrysler Caravan, which now has a Bosch 009 (VW) points distributor (carb was stock). It was remarkably simple to do, and once timing was set-up right, it runs at highways speeds with no noticable performance drop. The best advantage is that, in an emergency with weak batteries, I can intermittently hook-up two weak 12v batteries for a 24 fast crank on my starter just to get the car started. That's not possible with the computerized motors these days.
Also I'm not immediately concerned about issues such as interfacing with the 02 sensor, cat, ect. I only want an economical back-up system if the stock Mercedes ignition and computerized fuel system is failing and the car needs to be moved periodically or in an emergency.
Could the el cheapo Bosch 009 or 050 dist. units be modified for a fit with my 190e stock motor? What would be the best way to get an intake manifold bolted on and working for a carburator?
any pointers would be appreciated.
N.Gant