7 replies to this topic

[apotter92]

!993 Rover Rio 1275cc

Hi Guys, I'm having a bit of a problem finding the correct sized needle to go with the stage 1 kit i want to install on my 1275 mini.
i have spoken with my local parts supplier, and my carburetor is a HIF38 1 and 1/2 inch carburetor with MAC10031 tagged on it.
He said that the only available kits include a HS4 carb AAM or a HIF44 carb BBW.
i am wondering whether any of you have ever had this problem and if you can tell me which one is the correct one to use, as 1 is the correct size but wrong needle size and the other is too big but with the correct needle size, i think!
the mini is my only means of transport, so i could really do with some advice that wont lead to me straqnded!

Thanks in advance! Adam.

[L400RAS]

AAM for a HIF38 or HS4 1.5" is a good starting point for stage 1

[lrostoke]

This is the 1275 kit with HIF38 carb

http://minispares.co...a...8135&title=

Parts in the kit

http://minispares.co...mp;tc=1#submenu

Needle shown is the AAM

[AVV IT]

As I understand it the HIF38 is basicaly the metric version of the HS4 any way, so the AAM is probably technicaly the correct choice.... But forget the needle and put it on a rolling road instead!!

I put in the "correct" needle supplied with the stage 1 kit for my 93 Sprite (HIF38 1.5" carb) and tried to set it up myself, but couldn't get it to run right. So I took it to a well known mini specialist who changed the needle and timing, but it still wouldn't run right. In the end I took it to an A series/ mini friendly rolling road who changed the needle yet again for a .90 AAA, and now it runs fine. The guy at the rolling road reckoned that choosing the right needle without the rollers is pretty much pot luck and that he may have to put two completely different needles into two identical cars with identical setups, just because every single engine is different. Basically I should have taken it to a rolling road in the first place and saved myself a load of cash and a whole lot of messing about!!

If I were you, I would get it onto Pete Baldwins rollers at Wilshires Garage near Cambridge, it's only about an hour from you and well worth the trip!... What that man doesn't know about the A-Series engine simply isn't worth knowing!!

Edited by AVV IT, 01 June 2011 - 12:57 PM.

[lrostoke]

To be honest unless some extra mods have been made most of the needles mentioned for stage 1 kits are well documented, doesn't really need a rolling road find the one that suits your car.

My stage 1 came with an AAU needle, gave me a flat spot so big you could fall in it. Bit of searching and AAA seemed an alternative, Sure enough smooth as a smooth thing now (4 yrs still nice).

[finch661]

i would still get it RR my stage one kit came with a BBW needle (1275 - HIF44 needle) and it ran like a bag of spanners, even with the one recommended on here (BDL) is still was crap. i ended up swapping the carb for a set of twins and still waiting to get it on a RR

[lrostoke]

Yes but you need a rolling road that understands A series engines. Not one used to plugging in japanese rice burners.

[finch661]

Not one used to plugging in japanese rice burners.

haha love it.

i'm sure loads of people on here can point you in the direction of a mini-friendly RR