Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much is it?

WinSU is FREE to download. Most of the software features are permanently FREE. You will be able to view needle dimension information, overlay needle profiles, and get performance data for your engine specification, all absolutely FREE.

However, the needle recommendation for your engine spec and find similar needle search results will be disguised until you register your copy of WinSU. The cost is only £19.99. This fee is requested to cover the cost of developing this software.

  

 

Which carburettors are supported?

WinSU currently supports the following carb sizes in single, twin, triple, and quad configurations...

·         1.25" HS2 (0.09" jet)

·         1.5" HS4/HIF38 (0.09" jet)        also suitable for HIF4

·         1.75" HS6/HIF44 (0.1" jet)        also suitable for HIF6 and HD6

·         2" HS8 (0.125" jet)                  also suitable for HD8

 

Which engines are supported?

WinSU currently supports the following engine types in standard and modified form...

·         Austin/BL/Rover/MG

·         A series : Mini/Metro/Midget/Minor, all common capacities 850cc-1430cc

·         B series : MGB/Marina, 1800cc plus standard overbore capacities

·         C series : MGC/Healey/Princess, 2639/2912cc

·         E series : Maxi/Allegro/Marina/Princess, 1485cc/1748cc 4-cyl, 2227cc/2622cc 6-cyl

·         K series : Metro/Rover200/MGF,1120cc/1396cc/1588cc/1795cc

·         O series : Princess/Marina/Maestro/Montego, 1700cc/2000cc

·         MG-T : TA/TB/TC/TD/TF/TF1500, 1292cc/1250cc/1466cc

·         Rover V8 : Range Rover/TR8/SD1, 3528cc/3948cc/4278cc/4554cc

·         Jaguar

·         6 cyl : XJ6 etc, 4.2L

·         V12 : E-type, XJS, XJ12 etc, 5.3/6.0L

·         Triumph

·         4 cyl : Spitfire Mk1/2/3/4/1500, TR2/3/4/7, 1147cc/1296cc/1493cc/1991cc/1998cc/2138cc

·         6 cyl : TR5/6, 2498cc

·         V8 : Stag, 2997cc

·         Other

·         A general purpose engine type for any other car which calculates the best needle based on estimated power, 500cc-6L, for standard and modified spec

           

What operating systems will it work under?

Microsoft Windows 98/2K/ME/NT4/XP/Vista/Win7

This software was written using VB.NET and requires the Microsoft .NET framework v1.1

This software will not run under windows 3.1 or 95.

It is not yet available for Linux, Unix, or Mac.

 

What PC spec do I need?

Recommended PC spec : Windows XP, Pentium IV 2GHz, 1GB ram, 1024x768, 16M colours

Minimum PC spec : Windows 98, Pentium II 400MHz, 128MB ram, 800x600, 16M colours

Hard disk requirements : Approx. 20MB

 

I'm already a registered user! Am I entitled to a free upgrade?

Yes! Registered users of older versions of WinSU are entitled to a free upgrade to the latest version.

·         Users of WinSU v1.x.x : Please install the latest version and email me at upgrade @ winsu . co . uk for a free activation code. Please supply the registration code displayed in your new WinSU, along with your name and address so that I can look you up in my list of registered users.

·         Users of WinSU v2.x.x : If you already have version 2 of WinSU please check here for free upgrades. Registered users can simply upgrade. Your licence key will continue to work.

 

I've upgraded my PC  /  My PC has crashed - Can I have a new activation code?

Please fill in this form to request a new activation code.

 

Will WinSU run on European Windows (eg: Netherlands/France)?

Yes, WinSU v2.1 onwards will work on European versions of Windows (eg: countries which use a comma for the decimal point).

 

Where can I buy SU carburettor needles?

Recommended needle suppliers...

The SU Carburettor Company : http://www.sucarb.co.uk

Minisport : http://www.minisport.co.uk

 

What engine data do I need to enter into the software?

As a bare minimum you need to select the engine type, capacity, and size/number of carbs. You can then get a more accurate needle estimate by entering things like air filter type, cam choice, exhaust system, etc.

 

How do I connect it up to my engine?

WinSU does not physically connect to the engine. It isn't like modern diagnostics equipment for engine management. It simply runs on your PC and suggests needle codes based on your engine spec*. You will then need to purchase the needle(s) and fit them into your carburettor.

 

Why is it only showing spring type needles?

What you need to do is go into Tools->Options and untick "Only suggest popular needle codes". This option makes WinSU only show the spring loaded needles which tend to be popular nowadays in the later SU carbs (eg: HIF38/44).

 

Will it suggest needles for turbocharged engines?

WinSU does not currently have the facility for turbochargers in the engine spec pages. This is something I hope to add in the future. You should still be able to work out roughly what needle to use though.

 

Does WinSU suggest the dashpot spring as well as the needle?

v2.5 onwards will suggest the dashpot spring for your engine specification.

 

Are the suggested needles chosen for maximum power or maximum economy?

WinSU will aim to suggest 'factory' needles which give a good balance of power and economy. For racing applications where power is more important then you should aim a little richer, and likewise, aim a little leaner for more economy. To find needles which are slightly richer or leaner you will need to use the 'Find similar needles' feature*.

 

(* Registered users only)