The V8 Owners Forum -

Hi, anyone know where I can get the pots on my SUs modified so that they sit under a standard Stag bonnet. I'm getting the boby work restored and the bonnet which has had a bulge inserted badly is shot, thanks.

Russ

I wasn't aware that you could get them modified- I'm sure they were made that size for a reason...!

You may find the Stromberg is slightly shallower, however I have never measured them. I have never heard of machineing the pistons/ dash pots to make them shorter, I don't see much could come off as that would restrict the piston lifting.
Mike

I've seen strombergs fitted to clear the bonnet on Stags with the RV8, but I have also seen the mod to the SU's which IIRC involved taking the little chimney off the top, and than machining a threaded hole into then what becomes a flat topped dashpot, this being threaded to take the larger SD1 dampers which have to be shortened accordingly.

Mind you it was a good while ago that I saw them.

Thanks for your comments guys. You're right Harvey I've seen carbs modified as you described, but I'm struggling to find someone to do them, will keep looking.

Russ

There isn't a chance you mistook a HIF for a modified HS carb? Both are SU's and the HIF's generally look stumpier...

p.s. it can't be hard to put the dashpot in a lathe and part some of the neck off, then just re-tap it! Maybe the engineering shops you have asked got the wrong idea- it sounds like a half hour job, though maybe they are worried about being responsible if they don't work properly when they give them back to you!
If you research it and find you dont actually need the length or travel inside the dashpot, it shouldn't be hard at all.

Hello Russ,

This gent may have the answer. He is selling his Stag fitted with an RV8, and the SU carbs have been modified.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C53088/

May well be worth a phone call!

Do lets know how you get on.
Ron.

Guys,
thanks very much - I'll let you know what the outcome is Ron, thanks.
Russ

You could bin the SU's and fit a webber 4 barrel on an offenhauser 360 inlet manifold. That is a much lower setup and would give you the clearance you need.

Russ,

I think the factory MGBV8 had the SU carbs with shorter dashpots.

You could call Burlen Fuel systems who make SU's and see if they can help, if you get stuck I could probably find out the model number,

Kevin.

JC. wrote:You could bin the SU's and fit a webber 4 barrel on an offenhauser 360 inlet manifold. That is a much lower setup and would give you the clearance you need.

He could do. Then he could fit a towbar on the back so he could pull a tanker round with him to keep filling up with fuel lol.

They do tend to be thirsty compared with SU's I find

Thanks for the advice - fortunately my Stag already has a two bar, just need to modify the heating oil tank in the garden and fit it with a set of wheels to expand the fuel tank capacity! Maybe I'll try and get an offy/webber set instead, though I don't really want to pay £500 for a new set, anyone where there's a good second option?

Have you thought of trying the MGB Su manifold? if you can find one that is lower, yes it is not a performance item by any stretch, but it is an option.
Mike

I have some old SU carbs in the scrap bin- if you like I could have a quick shot at modifying one and let you know how it goes...

TC

Thanks for the tip Mike - my brother has an MGB, I'll check his spares box/contacts!

TC - that would be great, please give it a go and let me know, thanks.

Russ