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Misidentification of carbs on Bugeye

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M

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I posted a request earlier today looking for some SU H1 carb shaft couplings. Turns out I was mistaken about the carbs on my new Bugeye. I assumed from some comments made to me that everything in the car was "stock." And that led me to assume that it has H-1 carbs. But on looking more closely at some photos I took of the engine and carbs, I am embarrassed to say that the carbs are NOT H-1 but more likely HS-2. (I don't have the car at home yet as it is being worked on in a shop somemiles north of here. I did not notice the difference when I initially inspected and drove the car.)

Correct me if I am wrong (very likely considering my inexperience with this car) but the SU H-1 carb was only for the Bugeye MKI. But later on, some owners replaced these carbs with the HS-2, as in the case of my car. I don't know why, but I assume it was a "better" carburetor. Also, I have read that some people who raced the Bugeye substituted the HS-2.

Have any of you used the HS-2 in the Bugeye, and what has been your experience? For authenticity's sake, I would be open to restoring the H1 carbs, but I don't feel pressed to do so if the HS2 is a better solution.

Many thanks from someone who has much to learn.
 
H1 is 1 1/8" throat - H2 is 1 1/4" - if you look at the chart H1 is not covered but, H2 (2 X 1 1/4") covers a bugeye engine size - I don't know that it is honestly going to make a big difference either way

 
Hi, JPSmit,

Thank you for the chart. I had never seen one like this, and it helps me understand the difference between carburetors. I think you are right that I won't notice much -- if any -- difference between the H1 and the HS-2. Perhaps the HS-2 will give a little better performance, being slightly larger. I also understand that the H1 and the HD carbs were prone to leaking fuel, and that the next generation of carbs -- the HS-2 was much better in this regard.

Most of my car remains "stock,"including the 948cc engine, but I am not a stickler for such details and am glad to have an upgraded carburetor. I just like to get in the car and drive with a feeling that I have a good chance of nothing breaking down and nothing falling off.

Many thanks.
 
LexTR3 said:
Hi, JPSmit,

I just like to get in the car and drive with a feeling that I have a good chance of nothing breaking down and nothing falling off.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

You really are a "glass half-full" kinda guy, aren't you?

Can't imagine why someone would swap HS1s for HS2s on a 948 without doing some head and exhaust mods. It's not going to make any performance difference, but after 50 years, who knows why stuff was done?
 
HS2's are certainly easier to deal with... I'm not going to disparage the H1, but converting to HS2 makes sense.
 
Oh common guys- you know that the HS2's will raise the pure POWER of the 948 from 42 to nearly 42.5 HP!! :smile:
BillM
 
Wow! 42 to nearly 42.5 horsepower. I may feel like I'm back in my old '58 TR3. ha, ha


For me, any day in a LBC is a good day, just as any day above ground is a good day. Yes, indeed, glass is half full!
 
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