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Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 3:23 am
by mct340
I've had it with the Strombergs on my 71 Sprint and wonder if anyone has an affordable solution. Quorn (QED) sells an injection head for huge $$$. Webber heads w/ carbs are very rare. I hesitate to spend that much on such an old engine.
I am considering dumping the TC for a salvaged Wankel or Toyota TC or maybe a Miata.
I love my Elan and the way it handles (set up for autocross) but I'm fed up with that old Ford cast iron anchor. Colin Chapman would have been the first one to go for something lighter, more hp and revvier.
Anybody gone this route who would care to save me a lot of messing about?
Thanks in advance,
Mike

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 6:53 am
by charles jackson
convert to the SU carbs

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 8:43 am
by steveww
I have a Stromberg head on my S4 at the moment, I don't have any problems with it. However I am switching over to Weber just to get some more power. I just kept and eye on the small ads and picked up a second hand Weber head. You already know you can get new Weber heads from QED there is also an engineering company in the USA who can convert you Stomberg head to Webber. Which ever way you go it is going to cost $$$$ :o

If you are spending the cash why not drop in a DBA :P

If you are quick have a look in the For Sale section there is a big valve engine for ?1250

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 2:03 pm
by Fred Talmadge
Also this guy <a href='http://www.cortexusa.com/omnitech/auto/default.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.cortexusa.com/omnitech/auto/default.asp</a> is worth checking into.

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 4:32 pm
by bvt
If you wanted it would be possible to put an injection system on .... even salvage stuff from a scrappie, besides Strombergs tend to stay in tune more than webbers...

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 5:11 pm
by Jolly Jumper
<!--QuoteBegin-mct340+Oct 8 2003, 03:23 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mct340 @ Oct 8 2003, 03:23 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I've had it with the Strombergs on my 71 Sprint and wonder if anyone has an affordable solution. Quorn (QED) sells an injection head for huge $$$. Webber heads w/ carbs are very rare. I hesitate to spend that much on such an old engine.
I am considering? dumping the TC for a salvaged Wankel or Toyota TC or maybe a Miata.
I love my Elan and the way it handles (set up for autocross) but I'm fed up with that old Ford cast iron anchor. Colin Chapman would have been the first one to go for something lighter, more hp and revvier.
Anybody gone this route who would care to save me a lot of messing about?
Thanks in advance,
Mike [/quote]
Are we talking about the same engine?:o
My Sprint spec. engine (on weber carbs) is revvy, powerful, and generally nice.
Maybe your engine is just worn out and needs an overhaul.
btw, a well rebuild twin cam is worth a lot of money, certainly more than any wankel or whatever engine. An engine replacement job on an Elan will be more expensive in the end than a proper rebuilt of the original engine, taking into account all the necessary modifications and engineering work. Besides, a Wankel or Miata engine in an Elan will dramatically reduce its value, whereas a rebuilt twin cam will increase it.
Plus, weber heads are not that rare. QED even remanuctures them.

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 3:31 pm
by mct340
thanks for the comments.......anyone want to sell me a webber head?

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 1:12 am
by pamitchell
I have Stombergs on my 69 S4 and I'm happy with them after working with another club member. We found the replacement throttle shafts were bent so had to straighten them. Went through 2 sets of shaft seals to finally make a good seal. Replaced the fuel jets that kept sticking open and flooding with ball bearing Grose jets from Moss Motors. I used the minimum amount of oil in the bellows for quick throttle response. I've found the Stombergs easier to synch and adjust than Webers. Of course the Weber head gives you 4 ports and more power but I'll take ease of adjustment. I've been advised that SUs will bolt up to the Stormberg head. Also, Hitachi made Zenith-Strombergs for Datsun 240-260 Z with ball bearing shafts and newer materials and adjustable needles.
Rgds,
Phil
Cupertino CA.

Re: Tired Of Strombergs

PostPosted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 4:29 pm
by miked
I also have a stromberg headed Elan (S4). I have had Plus twos with Webers and Delortos. I have just rebuilt the engine as part of a restoration. My S4 goes like stink. The balance pipe appears to make the engine less prone to absolute settings. Yes, I spent some time on the Strommy's but the 118BHP SE cam version with high comp head is an absolute treat. Yes, the car is lighter than a plus two and I am going to feel different.
I love this set up to bits. Only things I did were a lot of attention to detail and dowelled the cams spot on.

Mike B)