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MG MGA - needles / 2 ?

Hi
I forgot to say on my previous thread that i have the 1800 head ?
cheers Colin
c daly

No difference. The 18 head is nearly identical to the "16" head used on the MGA 1600-MK-II engine.
Barney Gaylord

Many thanks Barney, i am using the 1500 carb set up would this be the same as the 1622 ?
Cheers, COLIN
c daly

1500 had different needles. However, .... my "warmed over" engine is a 1600 block +/030 bore (1625cc) with "18" head (nearly identical to "16" head). Built very close to MGA 1622 engine spec's, plus a Crane Cams fast street cam. I still run the original 1500 stock needles, just never bothered to change them. Seems to run okay, at least well enough not toe bother fiddling with it, but it would likely benefit with a change to the 1600 type needles.
Barney Gaylord

There is a useful needle selection utility at

http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/suneedle/

Using it you can see that the standard 1500 GS and 1600 6 needle are identical up to around half opening of the piston. Above that the number 6 is richer but not by a huge amount. The optional rich and weak needles seem to have much greater differences. Does anyone use these?

Like Barney I never bothered to change the needles when I went from 1500 to 1600. I suspect the difference for normal driving would not be noticeable.

The needles are made to fine tolerances and I often wonder how long they maintain the limits sitting as they do in a high velocity airstream which must have some wearing properties even though it is filtered.
Malcolm Asquith

Many thanks for the reply,s , just that we all have these strange thoughts go through our heads at odd moments when we should stick to the old adage that ( if its not broke dont fix it )my car will pull from very low down , so nice for touring , just seems to be a bit flat on responce above 65mph ,enjoy the weekend weather , last week i did the Kimber Trial in a 1930 M type, great route pics at(rexphotography) allham splash (46-7-8-9) we came 3rd in class impresive little car that just kept on going a real joy.
Cheers Colin
c daly

This thread was discussed between 18/04/2011 and 21/04/2011

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