Carb choices...

[Toups]

Ok, i am getting ready to start really working on the MGB engine, but I am having a hard time deciding on a carb. Here are the details on the car, and the build-up I will be doing:

Car:
1980 MGB 4-speed with O/D and dealer A/C

Upgrades:
Port/Polish head and valve job with new valves/springs
Pertronix Ignitor and Pertronix Coil
***Carb upgrade/replacement***
K&N intake
New cam (not sure which one yet)
New exhaust (one without a 1/2 a dozen leaks)
Electric fans (Perma-cool fans and thermostat controled)


So... the question is, what carb would be a good one to pair with these upgrades? I am looking for something "very" low maintenance, good flow, and easy starts (since the car is valet parked often at work)

I am assuming a single carb would be the simplest (although the dual setup will yeild a little more power) but I do not know which ones are low maint and easy starts.


TIA,
Toups

P.S. Also open to suggestions on a new cam.

 

[CraigFL]

I just put the Weber "Outlaw" on my '79 B with great results. Two barrels -- not progressive.

See here: https://www.brittek.com/

But if you want the classic look you will have to go with twin SUs.

 

[Toups]

I am not concerned with the look, but what is the performance like?

Also, did you just get the carb, or the stage 1 kit?

 

[CraigFL]

I just got the carb kit. I originally had a DGV but the DFES is MUCH better. I can't believe the performance is any less than a pair of SUs. 38mm = 1.5"

 

[Montero65]

Toups,
since you are looking at both a cam and a carb, the best thing you could do performance-wise is to be looking at them together. You shouldn't select a carb, and then pick a cam later, and you shouldn't pick a cam and then a carb later. Ideally, you should find a cam and a carb that you know work well TOGETHER. This would be the best way to go about choosing components, as they both will have significant effects on each other. i.e., if you get a cam with big lift, and a carb that doesn't have a flow high enough to support the cam, then you won't get the full use of your cam. And if you get a carb that flows more than your cam needs, then you're not using the carb to the full potential. Try finding what combinations worked well for others out there. I'd also recommend looking at the Peter Burgess book. He has some suggestions for power combinations, and lots of info for the head work you're looking at. Just make sure to do your homework, then you shouldn't be dissappointed in what you get, because you'll know before you get it.

Good luck in your selections.

 

[Toups]

I think I am going to go with the Weber carb w/ auto choke (for I dont want someone messing up my car trying to start it)

What impressions has anyone gotten of them? I am especially interested to hear from someone who has one installed to head about the before and after, any problems, hp/torque increases/decreaces, changes in mileage....

As always TIA for everyones input and assistance.
Toups

 

[CraigFL]

Well, I've been driving mine for a week now with the DGES and it has unbelievable power over the DGV. I can't imagine how slow the ZS was. I haven't tested the mileage -- but who cares anyway! It was very easy to install and adjust. If you use it you will probably need to use headers to fit properly around the intake manifold. I had to use some spacers around the studs to get the exhaust and intake heights to be the same. As far as the adjustments out of the box for the carb, I used my own -- 2T out for the mixture screws and MAKE SURE the throttles close completely when the carb is off the car(choke off). Then, make sure the fast idle(w/ choke) is set just a little bit open--about 1 - 2 turns only or the idle will be way too fast. After it warms up you can adjust and set everything...

I've heard some say the DGES is too much carb for a stock engine but I don't find that to be true. Mine is stock with a Crane electronic ignition and a ANSA exhaust. I do notice a lot more intake noise when I step on it, and a lot more get up and go.