Carburetor Swap to HIF 44

The Bugeye originally had 1 1/4″ twin SU carburetors. We upgraded to twin 1 1/2″ HS2 carbs shortly after purchasing the car. With the current restoration we are going to try a single 1 3/4″ HIF44 carb. We hope to attain equal performance without the need to balance twin carbs. The single HIF carb was routinely used on Minis with essentially the same engine. The HIF 44 is SU’s most modern carb of the period. The float bowl is integrated into the bottom of the carb body rather than a separate float bowl as with the HS2s. 

Using the HIF carb requires the use of an appropriate heat shield with integrated securing points for the throttle and choke cables as well as a custom intake manifold sourced from Manifold in the UK. This manifold lowers the carb so that it will not foul against the bonnet.

HIF 44 Heat Shield

Maniflow 1 3/4″ Intake Manifold Jet-Hot Coated

After purchasing the HIF44 we sent it to A.C. Dodd in the UK to have him modify it slightly. The biggest change was converting the unit from manifold vacuum to ported vacuum. Bugeye Restoration Video Episode Fifty-nine reviews the features of the HIF 44 and explains the modifications made to it by A.C. Dodd to prepare it for use in the Bugeye.

https://vimeo.com/924772088/d53a91b278?share=copy

Episode Fifty-nine includes the following content:

0:05 – HIF 44 carb documentation

0:45 – Applications of the HIF 44 carb in other cars

1:37 – HIF 44 carb needle

2:20 – Manifold and Ported vacuum

2:26 – HIF 44 Carb heat shield

2:32 – Maniflow intake manifold

2:50 – Choke cable retaining clip

3:23 – A.C. Dodd HIF 44 modifications

5:33 – HIF 44 Hose fitting legend

5:39 – HIF 44 Throttle and choke cable connections 

Setting up the HIF 44 for initial running is really quite simple. (more info to follow shortly!)

HIF 44 Carburetor (RH Side)

HIF 44 Carburetor (LH side)

Setting the fuel mixture is the first step. This is accomplished by turning the fuel mixture screw shown in the image above. The image below shows the proper level of the jet:

HIF 44 Proper Jet Height for Start-up

The fast idle, or choke, is set by adjusting the fast idle screw against the cam. The images below show the proper setting. A feeler gauge with .018 blades is used to set the mechanism and then the screw is turned out until it just touches the cam at the arrow.

HIF 44 Adjusting the Choke

A small spring clip is used to secure the choke cable end fitting to the heat shield choke bracket. It is a friction fit and is just pressed down over the end of the cable ferrule.

HIF 44 Choke Cable Clip

A two piece cable stop is used to secure the choke cable to the choke lever:

HIF 44 Choke Cable Stop

 Finally, we are using a K&N Cone-type air filter for the carburetor. We sourced this one from Moss Motors:

K&N Air Filter

K&N Filter Packaging

 

 

 

Powerspark Electronic Distributor

We previously used a Crane Fireball electronic ignition module in conjunction with the original Lucas 25D. We had the distributor rebuilt and recurved based on our engine modifications by Jeff Schlemmer at Advanced Distributor, However, after some research and discussion with A. C. Dodd, a U.K. “A series” engine tuner we decided to make a wholesale conversion to modern technology and purchased a Powerspark Lucas 45D Distributor. The Lucas 45D distributor replaced the 25D in 1975.

Powerspark manufactures the new distributor casting from an original Lucas model, so it visually appears like the original. The distributor is available in a number of variations. We selected a negative ground high energy model with Powerspark’s electronic ignition module with vacuum advance and top entry cap referred to as D5.

Powerspark 45D with Cap

The distributor is a variable dwell design and the electronic module is capable of three times the spark of their standard sport module. This unit uses a non-ballasted .8 ohms coil and is not suitable for use with copper leads so we have used Cobalt carbon leads sourced from Moss Motors.

This YouTube video by A.C. Dodd does a nice job of explaining the desirability of transitioning to a modern electronic ignition distributor:https://youtu.be/nHOQzi-Je1I?si=NehsJxJQ6vHdZg1Z

At the same time that A. C. Dodd was modifying our new HIF 44 carburetor, we had him recurve our Powerspark dizzy to suit the modifications made to our engine. The unit is now set to reach maximum advance at 3,800 rpm.

We also decided to go with the Viper dry resin high energy .8 ohm coil sold by Powerspark.

Viper Dry Resin High Energy .8 ohm Coil

Rear Differential Swap 4.22 to 3.9

A number of Bugeye owners have suggested switching the original 4.22 rear differential for a 3.9 differential from a later Sprite or Midget. We located a 3.9 in North Carolina. We had it checked out by Glenn’s MG in St. Petersburg. He installed a new pinion oil seal and set the pinion pre-load to factory specification. We cleaned up the pumpkin and painted it with silver caliper paint from POR-15. 

The Episode Eight video provides details on the 3.9 differential installation and background.

https://vimeo.com/769556695/420d4bfca6

 

Speedwell Ignition Timing Pointer

Trying to use a timing light to set ignition timing is extremely difficult given that the pointer on the timing cover used for alignment with the notch on the crank pulley is at the bottom of the engine.

Tom Colby at Speedwell Engineering https://www.speedwellengineering.com/ignition-timing-pointer-kit/ makes a stainless steel pointer that can be used to move the timing process to the top of the pulley. This is from the Speedwell website:

A duplicate of the 1968 Works BMC Le Mans timing pointer makes for timing the ignition system much easier by moving it to the top side of the engine. The Polished Stainless Steel Pointer (with a flanged nut installed, eliminating need for washers!) is easily installed by removing a timing cover bolt and installing it in place of the bolt. Once top dead center is achieved, just apply the adhesive backed laser-etched stainless steel timing tape to the crankshaft pulley and you’re ready for precision timing with a timing light. Complete with instruction sheet. 100% Made in the USA

This is a short video showing the installation of the ignition pointer. Installation required draining the coolant and removing the radiator.

https://vimeo.com/744799541/45b0311e75

 

Quick Throw Short-shifter for the Bugeye

We always wanted to use the original cover for the gearbox shifter because it just seems so uniquely Sprite/Midget. However, we installed a Datsun 210 gearbox so we had to use a leather boot since the gear shift fouled against the cover. 

We were able to purchase what we believe to be the last quick throw gear shift assembly that Gerard Chateauvieux (Gerard’s Garage) fabricated. This will give us the benefit of the short throw or shifting and we should be able to use the original cover. Gerard’s kit is very nicely machined.

The Episode Four video shows the shifter conversion

https://vimeo.com/744791938/346e976572

Leather Boot used with 210 gearbox shifter

Original Cover with Gerard’s Gear Shift