Twin HS4 or HIF44

[barkfast]

I currently have twin HS4 SUs, which are in need to a rebuild ... and I'm looking from some advice on whether I rebuild these or goto a HIF44.

I like the simplicity of a single carb - just seems like it would be much easier to take on/off then messing around with linkages etc

For reference my Mini has a 1275 engine, and I believe it has a mild cam installed. Car is mostly used to run errands around town with an occasional spirited run in the countryside.

[Peter Laidler]

As a matter of opinion, it's going to be LOT cheaper to refurb what you've got than convert to a single with all that that entails fixtures and fittings wise. Ever considered just reverting to standard? Twin HS4's on a mildly tuned GT seems very over-carbed to me

[barkfast]

Thanks Peter.

I was looking at the single carb option to make it a bit easier to work on... I think the reality is that the array of linkages and bits seem overwhelming to someone not familiar with them.. maybe once I've disassembled them and get my head around it, it might seem easier.

Also would need to get the carbs rebushed.. which I'm not sure I can do myself

[Peter Laidler]

Carb re-bushing is a piece of cake. You can O-ring the shaft on a lathe or just ask our main-man Mark-the-editor to re-bush for (I seem to remember...) £35 or so a carb. Bushes included!

[CooperTune]

I have recently completed my 90 Rover mainstream Cooper. A leak test showed 30 % leak on #3 cyl. Rather than rebuild it I bored a pre A+ block .020 O/S zero decked, fully ported big valve race head giving 11 to 1 C/R, with 285/285 VP cam. Large bore LCB, SS large twin center exit with glass pack resonator. On top of rod change SC/CR with 4.13 CWP. Someone had installed a full GT5 body kit and 7x13 wheels. I had rebuilt and set up a pair of HIF38s from a MGB. Due to an issue with the only intake I had on hand I had a bad vacuum leak. I cleaned and rebuilt the HIF 44 and installed it. Using a O2 gauge I was able to get a nice idle at anything higher than 1000 rpm. It comes alive around 2200 rpm. I'm sure I'm giving up some punch due to single carb. Yes, it may not be great above 75 mph but wind noise gets bad about 70 anyway. With the cam and compression balancing the HIF38s at idle was almost impossible. Also starting cold was tough, but the vacuum leak may have been the real issue. When I get a new intake, I'll try the HIF38s again as I feel this engine will support them. Steve (CTR)