Carb' swop on Austin 7

[crankedup]

I have asked the same question on an Austin 7 site but feel its also worth asking here.
My Zenith sidedraught carb' as fitted (original)to my 1931 Austin 7 has never operated correctly. It has always been problamatic with occasional flooding, erratic or never giving engine tickover and so on. Thoughts and suggestions please as to an alternative carb' that I could fit without having to dismatle/engine fettle, that would offer an improved performance in terms of reliability and improved running conditions?
I am not seeking to improve power/acceleration but if it comes thats a bonus.

[eccles]

I think period SU's are a common mod, but i'm not sure if you need a new manifold or not.

[lowdrag]

In an attempt to save money in these impoverished times go here:-

http://www.austin7.org/carburettor_jet.htm

[crankedup]

Thanks for replies. Apparently I would need to change the manifold to fit an alternative carb'. Have tried all the D.I.Y. stuff on my carb' to no avail, it seems the float needle is most likely slightly bent causing sticking and the flooding. I am going to have to bite the bullit and have the thing restored. Looking back at the history it seems it was last seriously worked on 30 years ago, so its due for a birthday.

[Pigeon]

I'd have thought it would be possible to make up an adaptor plate to mount an SU... Something like a chunk of ally half an inch thick or so with a suitable size hole through the middle, then holes round the outside to match the mounting points on the manifold and more holes to match those on the SU, bolt to carb and manifold using countersunk-headed bolts so they don't protrude above the surface of the plate.

[crankedup]

Pigeon said:

I'd have thought it would be possible to make up an adaptor plate to mount an SU... Something like a chunk of ally half an inch thick or so with a suitable size hole through the middle, then holes round the outside to match the mounting points on the manifold and more holes to match those on the SU, bolt to carb and manifold using countersunk-headed bolts so they don't protrude above the surface of the plate.

Worth a thought, I understand that the S.U. is amongst the best replacements. I shall have to look at some of those specials, although whatever I do it has to improve my current carb'.

[AJAX50]

I remember reading that in the past SU made a limited number of down draft carbs, not sure of the size or if they are ever advertised, but would be great on an existing down draft manifold.