Tuning/Tweaking for Altitude

[AN6-TX]

Short version - I'm getting transferred to Denver. What are the necessary/best tweaks for higher altitudes? I anticipate having a local LBC shop perform these (to ensure its done correctly) but I want to go in "educated".

Shorter version - Anyone interested in a '62 MK II or a '67 MK IV? Cars are in Houston TX. I don't want to sell but told the Mrs. I would try...

 

[drooartz]

I'm up at altitude as well (5500'). You'll need to lean out the carbs -- likely will need leaner needles. I've got a leaner needle in my Morris, and it's likely still running a bit rich. May play with an even leaner one some day, but for now it's running well.

Otherwise you shouldn't have to do much. Just swap in a leaner needle and tune the carbs as normal. The Morris works well from 4500' (Salt Lake City) up to 10,000' on the passes. SUs adjust pretty well to altitude changes within reason.

 

[AN6-TX]

Thanks for the info!

 

[drooartz]

Of course the best way to overcome altitude issues is to install a supercharger. "Honey, I'm just making some necessary adjustments for the local altitude." :grin:

 

[Bayless]

I like the way you think Drew.

 

[tomshobby]

My TR6 ran just fine from sea level to 13,000 feet even pulling a small trailer in the mountains. Of course it has ZS carbs. Haven't tried it with my Midget.

 

[drooartz]

When I first got my MGB I struggled a little with it, specially when I was up at 10,000' -- ran okay-ish, but had real problems starting. Setting up the carbs leaner made a big difference.

Every now and then I contemplate fuel injection for the same reason. FI and a supercharger would be just about right.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Drew, Bugeyeguy IIRC Did that exact setup for one of his customers earlier this year. Just what you need.

 

[nomad]

Back in the day as we say, if you were headed for the mountains you wanted a car with SU's. Very good at compensating for altitude changes and if they needed some adjustment that was easy to do as well.

Plus that, who would want to drive anything but a sports car on twisty mountain roads anyway!:friendly_wink:

Kurt.

 

[mrsprite]

Welcome to Denver! Like everyone else has said....lean out the carbs and make some minor tweaks and you'll be good to go. Hopefully you don't sell both of them....there are some fun roads in the mountains that are perfect for Spridgets.

 

[AN6-TX]

Thanks, mrsprite! I'm optimistic I'll have both cars with me when we "land". I look forward to testing out those mountain roads...

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Your wife might enjoy the cars more in a different climate/setting.