SU HS8 Carbs swap ?

[PaulC]

While considering to convert my double Stromberg set-up to triple SU's (E-type Series II), I realised that I have some SU HS-8 carbs lying here. They seem to have the same dimensions as the HD-8, so they should fit onto the (new to be bought) manifold... Adapting the linkages does not seem to be an impossible job either. So why not using these and saving some money ? Is that possible, and would that be a good idea ? What do you think ?

[christopher storey]

Functionally , there is probably not a lot wrong with the idea, but I think the linkages, particularly for the choke , will be a real problem. You also need to ensure that the throttles open in the same way ( eg top of the disc moving forwards ) as the HD model and from memory I am not sure if that is the case . The other aspect of it is that you end up still having spent a fair amount but with a non-standard car which might unkindly be described as a bodge . Personally, if you want to make a saving I would adapt Mark 10 carbs rather than using HS8

[PaulC]

Did some thinking on this now. The HD8 and HS8 have the same basic dimensions. They have exactly the same suction chamber and piston and hence you can't distinguish them from far. The choke part and float chamber are visibly different. HS8 was introduced later than the HD8 and at the end of the Etype life, so I don't think it's less quality. I'm thinking of buying a new triple manifold, with the linkage set for the HD8 rack. Should work for triple HS8 too. As far as I can see, the HS8 can be modified to manual choke by bolting on 2 specific brackets per carb. I see them on some pictures on the internet, but can't identify them yet (have asked Burlen but no answer yet). Adding 3 choke cables should be no problem. Can't be shocking expensive.
As for the value, I reckon that my Series II with this set-up, and the original Stromberg manifold rack lying in the trunk, would be higher value than with only the 2 Strombergs ! And give some more driving fun too. Maybe. And will probably be a lot of mechanic's fun to get this right !
Any advice ?

[christopher storey]

Paul : the HS series of carburetters was SU's cheap and cheerful range especially designed for BMC, of which of course SU was a part. They were introduced with the Farina Oxford/Cambridge range in 1958 and went on from there . The HS8 was merely a larger version . I do not regard it as superior to the HD series (which as far as I know was developed initially for RR with the Silver Cloud) - quite the reverse - and in my view it is more difficult to set up . ( I have 3 cars with them and thus have some familiarity with them ) . However, don't let me dissuade you if you enjoy a challenge

[PaulC]

Thanks Christopher, appreciate your view.