1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

12a, dual SU carbs

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Old Feb 13, 2003 | 09:44 PM
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12a, dual SU carbs

I've never seen these until now, they look pretty nice to me. I'm looking to buy a pair of these carbs, with intake manifold for my 12a. Previous owner pulled them off a streetport 12a he found in a junkyard. He says the size is 1.75'' each, which means nothing to me. What size in other carbs is it comparable to, dellorto 32 or 36??? How much do you think these are worth?
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Old Feb 13, 2003 | 11:35 PM
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one pic of them mounted is here: http://www.hurleyrotary.com/images/1...Conversion.jpg

Once the forum stops being gay I'll try to post some better pics that I have on my comp.
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 01:15 AM
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tuning dual carbs? you're brave

actually the triple carbs on the old 240Z were a bitch, but looked oh so cool
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 09:27 AM
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Mmmm, tri-Webers...

One of the local AutoXers here in Skoon has a '69 240Z with the tri-webers. That car hauls ***. Very nice setup indeed.
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 10:49 AM
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note sure what they are comparable to but they flow a lot of air ... you tune them by changing the tapered profile of the needles, I'm sure Hurley can hook you up with the correct bits
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 02:39 PM
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I have some good pics of these carbs, but the forum won't let me upload them now for some reason
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 03:00 PM
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SU's were used on British cars from the 1920's through the 1970's. They're actually very easy to tune, (I have a 1971 MG Midget) IF they are in good shape. What usually happens is that after many years of use, the throttle shaft wears out along with the bushings the shaft rides in, and air gets sucked in at the shaft. They can be easily repaired to as-new condition by an expert. Two carbs would cost about $300 to rebuild as-new. That would include EVERYTHING - throttle shafts, bushings, jets, needles, floats, etc. The best SU guy around is Joe Curto. He works out of New York, and does business by mail. You can find his ad in Hemmings, in the British cars section. My MG has a 1275cc engine, and uses 1.25" SU's. 1.75" seems a bit large for 12A. (1200cc)
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 04:49 PM
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SU's are great simple carbs. I'd say GO FOR IT.

I got a nice Grassroots Motorsports article on SU's I can scan and send to you if you buy them.

Seeing that 1.00" is 25mm, 1.75" is 43.75mm.

Seeing that most aftermarket carbs for 12a's are 44mm to 48mm, I'd say a 1.75" SU is a little small. If your motor is ported I'd reccomend 2.00" SU

later,
-bp-
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 10:50 PM
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su carbs

i have a 73 triumph tr6 with 2 su carbs / they are 1.75s. the motor is 2500cc. i think two would work on a 12a.
they are very easy to rebuild and all parts are available.
1.75 is inches / there are 24.5 mm in one inch (i think).
you do the math. the jet that the needle slides in will were out and make them run too rich. hope this is some help
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 11:22 PM
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Yea.. these carbs are stupid simple to tune and rebuild.. I can rebuild these and Zenith-Strombergs (also used on a lot of 70's Brit iron) in my sleep. Nikki's aren't too complex, but SU's make one look like a 6000 piece jigsaw puzzle. And don't let anyone try to kid you and tell you horror stories about tuning them. Pick up a Uni-Syn (like $25 last time I checked), a Haynes manual for SU/Stromberg carbs and have at it. The problems people have are from those who have no clue how to tweak these carbs and just start screwing around with stuff. With constant depression carbs like these, going a size bigger than you need won't hurt like a normal 4-barrel, as the carb will only allow enough fuel out to satisfy the vacuum the engine is making. I'd say go with the 2" SU's as well, but you may have some trouble finding them. If I recall correctly, they were limited to Jags and the 6-cylinder big Healeys. Grab yer ankles if ya find a set..

--Danny

Last edited by White84SE; Feb 14, 2003 at 11:26 PM.
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Old Feb 14, 2003 | 11:26 PM
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Originally posted by DriveFast7

Seeing that 1.00" is 25mm, 1.75" is 43.75mm.

Seeing that most aftermarket carbs for 12a's are 44mm to 48mm, I'd say a 1.75" SU is a little small. If your motor is ported I'd reccomend 2.00" SU

later,
-bp-
It's TWO 1.75'' carbs
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 12:08 AM
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Also, what fuel pump & reg would you reccomend for running dual 1.75'' carbs. I have a stockport engine, with stock manifold, gutted cats, straight pipe to a 2.5'' straight thru stainless muffler. I will also be getting an RB header and presilencer to complete my exhaust setup soon.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 12:13 AM
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pic1

Still won't let me upload anything I've got 6 good pics of them too...

Last edited by coldy13; Feb 15, 2003 at 12:18 AM.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 01:14 AM
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email me the pics and Ill host em... webmaster@frontfly.com
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 09:18 AM
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pic1

Last edited by coldy13; Feb 15, 2003 at 09:25 AM.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 09:29 AM
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pic2

I got one up, still doesnt want me to upload though.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 05:07 PM
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Those are the nice ones. Some SU's had a sliding "plunger" like those do which varies airflow. The cool thing about the ones you have there is that at full throttle there is nothing blockling the airflow. Some of the other SU's used the typical butterfly setup. I'd love to get my hands on a set of those.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 05:30 PM
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I think these might have that butterfly you're talking about. I have 5 more good pics of them, the forum just wont let me upload them
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 06:04 PM
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Last edited by coldy13; Feb 15, 2003 at 06:07 PM.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 06:09 PM
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and if the pics dont show up for you, there are here:
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic1.jpg
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic2.jpg
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic3.jpg
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic4.jpg
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic5.jpg
http://coldy13.tripod.com/pic6.jpg
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 06:16 PM
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Sorry for being a post-*****, but you have to copy and paste the url's, tripod is gay.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 07:19 PM
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ALL SU's had the sliding needle setup with a butterfly after it.. these carbs are similar in design to motorcylce carbs, and they can require as much or more air than our engines do at full song. You don't see them choked for air do you? The pose very little threat in restriction of airflow... The only thing that varied with them was the float bowl setup, the needle and jet size, diameter of the intake and the bolt pattern on the back of the carb..

--Danny
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 11:13 PM
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Really? I saw a couple taken apart. Didn't know that. Good info. Its not like they are restrictive anyways.
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Old Feb 15, 2003 | 11:35 PM
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I had 2 SUs on my 59 Sprite and they worked like a charm. Easy to tune and reliable.

That direct sidedraft hookup looks really good.

B
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Old Feb 16, 2003 | 04:29 AM
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su carbs are good for a stock car, but for hi performance they suck!!!!! i had them on my 64 vovo!!!!! 1/" 3/4

and on my dads 59 austin healy bugeye, 1"


the webers are much better!
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