Steve, I looked tonight.  No AAA needles.  I do have ABD, ADE, and AAG.  Of those, the ABD is the closest and it is going to be leaner. Once you get to about the 3rd measurement point on the profiles, the ABD profile follows the "curve" of the AAA to a degree with about a 0.003" difference in diameter.  If you are really desparate for a test, you could use the ABD needle and set it rich at idle to compensate.

Hey Doug, I'm always careful to add any disclaimer required to keep someone off my back. All thread studs is fine for tension but I'm not fond of them for shear. Like CC said there are some carbs that have limited space for adding a bolt from carb side. If you want to get fancy call Fastenal for stainless all thread.

Due to health issues in the family I was up late working in the shop till 2:30 am. I then drove by to check on my 90 year old dad and was back at his house by 5 am to help him get out of bed. Called Howard and he's at the Healey gathering in NJ. Abbacus was unable to help either. Have one coming just want to drive this car. If you have one I'll drive down and visit and pick up a BBQ on my way home.

Steve (CTR)

cupcake, you are probably right.

I think you'll find that there's no space for a bolt anyway because of linkages etc.

Bolt pattern is the same.  Air filter pattern is different. Didn't think about theaded rod, so i guess i don't have any concerns or issues. Thanks for all the input.

Is the 175 Stromberg bolt/stud spacing the same as the HS6/HIF44?  I know that with the 150 Strombergs the spacing is different than that of the SU HS4/HIF38.  If the big carbs have different spacing you are going to have to either slot the carb body or modify the manifold.

Unlike Steve, I have no issues using threaded rod for studs... at least not on areas that are not under a lot of stress.  Even if you don't like the idea, you can go to the home center and buy long bolts and cut their heads off to make studs the length you need.

Steve, I wish you had posted earlier that you needed needles.  I would have checked last night.  Any chance that Howard has some?  He was working with needle selection a year or so back.

As noted, studs can make it easier to mount the carb and attendant spacers, gaskets, etc., BUT... they can be a hassle if the space in the area is cramped. There has to be enough space to get the carb behind the studs to slide it onto them. Obviously not the case w/bolts.

You can always order the correct length studs. I don't like it but I have been known to buy all thread and cut to length.

Excuse the hi jack but I'm working on a hot rod 998 and need a SU needle AAA I'll order one when the left coast guys get up. If some one has one in VA NC or along the east coast I'll gladly replace it if I can get one mailed my way today. I had a pair in my collection but I believe I loaned them and can't recall to whom. Thanks

Steve (CTR) 

long story short. i need to add an additional spacer in order to mount 44's in place of stromburgs on my TR4 (due to hood clearance issuses). I'm asking the question in case i can't get the correct length studs

There are likely to be differing opinions but....

Studs have the advantage that you can put the gaskets, insulators, heat shield, and carb in place and leave them "hanging" while you fit washers and nuts to secure them.  If you use bolts instead you have to line all those parts up, and hold them up, while you get the bolts started in the manifold.  Remember that the bolts would be going in from the back of the engine so you will be reaching over the top and down.  Bolts sound like too much work for me.

is there any advantage/disavantages in using bolt to mout a carb instead of studs?