Just wondering if anyone has an SU carb (preferable a HIF44) i could borrow or buy??

What car is that from? Have a couple of V8 SU's around somewhere, will have a look.

oops sorry A+ series mini

I have an a-series midget in the garage - 1098 engine.

I am currently stripping it down to keep just the chassis (then it goes BEC!), so the carb is available for sale if it's what you need.

1098 Midget used HS2 carbs HIF44 had a bi metalic temperature compensating lever on the jet IIRC which can cause problems