Triumph Repair: Stromberg Carb Tuning, line mechanic, throttle linkage

Question
QUESTION: Hi Howard;

Thanks again for helping me with the throttle linkage issues on my 1979 TR7.  This next question is on a different subject.

Since my linkage issues appear to be solved, I am now proceeding to tune the car.  I was wondering if you had any guidance on how to properly tune the Strombergs.  Granted, I can follow the Bentley and Haynes manuals, but as a former Triumph line mechanic I was wondering if you had any additional advice.

At this time I have set the ignition timing to factory specs and I have set the carb jets 1 full turn out (i.e., in the lean direction) from full rich.  From here I understand that you must balance air-flow and such, but again I was wondering if you had any extra advice from your experience.  

Thanks for your help and time,

Matt

ANSWER: Hi Matt,

The only thing I do differently then the book, is if it has the lift pins to raise the pistons, the book tells you to adjust the carburetor that you are lifting the pin on but I adjust the other carburetor and that has served me well for many years in several dealerships and my own shops.

I do have a detailed outline of my procedure in a "Tech Tip" on my web site if you want to read it. http://mg-tri-jag.net/tech16.htm

Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Howard;

I wanted to let you know that I tried your SU tuning scheme and it worked very well.  I was tuning the HIF4s on my MGB.  I followed your procedure very carefully, making sure both carburetors were set the same initially. The result is a very well-running car with good power.  Thanks very much for putting the procedure on your website and sending me that link.

One note...I was tuning my SUs because I reinstalled them on the car.  I had a Weber 38 DGAS which I could never tune right.  I always had hesitations and bogging.  I will never go back to the Weber.  I think a properly rebuilt and set up SU works much better.

Thanks,
Matt

Answer
Thanks for the feed back Matt, It is not that Webers are bad carburetors. It is the fact that a "Constant Velocity" carburetor (like the SU's) when adjusted correctly is an advanced design over any fixed jet carburetor.

A "Constant Velocity" carburetor (SU's) is the next stem from a fixed jet carburetor (The Weber) and fuel injection.

Howard