Intro and Weber Carb

[als]

My name is Al and I have just found, and joined this web site.

About a month ago I purchased (on eBay) a 1976 MG Midget and then flew down to California from Western Canada and drove it home. While it sounds nuts to do that (purchase on eBay I mean) I did my homework and the two MG specialists who have checked it out tell me I got a great car.

It is not perfect however, and one problem in particular has me stumped. Maybe one of you has dealt with this.

The previous owner took off the original carb (which he gave me along with all sorts of parts and pieces) and replaced it with a Weber DGEV... The problem is that is just a touch too high for the engine compartment and has created a slight dimple in the hood. I cannot see how I can overcome this but I understand that this is a fairly common change amongst midget owners.

Any advice on how to solve this would be greatly appreciated.

Al /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Hi Al,
welcome to the Best Forum on the web.

i have the same conversion on my car. There are at least two styles of aircleaner, the square box type, and the round rounded type. i thenk the round type has a lower profile. check with Moss or VB.
dont feel too bad, my PO swaped out alternators and left a ding in my hood as well..


mark /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[Biff]

Welcome to the BCF Al.

What condition are your motor mounts? Do they let the motor rock and roll?

The retro DGV kits are designed to fit and should clear the bonnet. Other options would be to put the Solex carb & manifold back on (last resort), single or double sidedraft Weber DCOE(s) & manifold (big bucks), or a dual SU setup from a early spitfidget (not cheap but a good option), and finally bolt a HS4 Su on the stock Solex 1500 manifold (probably the cheapest option).

As I said the DGV kits are designed to fit but if what you have is a homebrewed conversion, i.e., a pieced together conversion using a generic manifold for 1500, the DGV carb, and a air filter from another DGV application could be the cause of your problem other than sloppy motor mounts. Not much help. I know, but somethings to think about other than having your bonnet modified.

 

[als]

Gentlemen - thanks for your input... Re engine mounts, the front ones are good but I do in fact have a problem with the rear mount at the aft end of the transmission. I'm going to look at it from the inside of the car and hope its just loose bolts. I do not relish the idea of removing engine and transmission to affect repairs.

Re the manifold on the Weber, I believe that it is the full kit, including the manifold for this car. That's one of the reasons I'm mystified by this problem.

As to the air filter, that is a good suggestion, but I know that the bottom plate on the oval filter is shaped for a different model of Weber and would need some work to fit the DGEV version. The oval air cleaner is 1/8" shallower than the rectangular one I have on the car.

Once again, thanks for the great advice.

Regards
Al
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif