“Hi Rhys - The carbs were in today’s post. I just finished putting them back on the car, and the engine started quickly which was amazing, and it ran very, very smoothly. Slight idle adjustment was needed - that was it. Fantastic job, and I’m looking forward to driving it in the spring now. Thanks again, Paul. ”
— Paul has a TR3. Previously I rebuilt a custom SU HS2 carb for his Austin Seven.
“ Thanks Rhys for the amazing work you did rebuilding the carbs on my 1954 Jaguar XK-120 roadster. I’ve owned that car since 1965 when I was 14. I was leery of sending my carbs to a technician I did not personally know. They had supposedly been rebuilt five years ago but the previous rebuilder had struggled with the work. The carbs were leaking and had to be repaired properly as I didn’t want my car to catch fire. I found you on the internet, and from our first conversation I developed an instant trust. My mechanic had the Strombergs from a customers Series II E-type that also needed rebuilding, so we sent both pairs. Your emails and updates throughout the rebuilding process were great. Once returned, the Strombergs were installed and the engine started immediately and required very little adjustment. The XK-120 also started instantly and has never run better, and also required only a minor adjustment. I’m pleased that the carbs on my XK-120 are the original ones as that’s important to me. Your prices are fair and accurate, and you didn’t go over on the costs. You obviously love old British cars, and were true to your word. Thanks so much.
Yesterday afternoon, I reinstalled the carbs in my XK120. You made them look so beautiful, that I often found myself handling them with towels so as not to mar the finish. It took about 5 hours as I am slow and methodical and I like to document everything as I go. I also installed new sparkplugs, a new inline fuel filter. I had previously drained the gas tank to be sure there is absolutely no water in the tank. This afternoon, I filled the dash pots with ATF, reinstalled the batteries, put some gas in the tank and crossed my fingers. Vrooommm! She started right up and after one slight puff of white smoke, she ran smooth and clean.
I let the engine warm to standard operating temperature and I marveled at the fact that when warm, the mixture on both carbs was fine, and the idle speed (rpm) was perfect and the balance (checked with a Unisyn) was just about right on! Essentially, I had to adjust NOTHING!!!!! You dialed in both carbs perfectly on the bench!
I shut the engine down, reinstalled the air intake hoses and went for a spin. I can honestly say that the car has never run this well in the ten years I have owned her. The engine ran as smooth as silk and accelerated without hesitation and at a rate I had never experienced. There was no visible exhaust and she took a long steep hill effortlessly. On descent, she purred. In every respect, performance is now outstanding.
I have won my share of Concours d’Elegance events, and with these beautifully restored carburetors, I expect even more favorable judging. More importantly, I will take far more pleasure in driving my XK120, which after all is what such a machine is made to do!
Rhys, your work is second to none. You took two of the ugliest SUs on the planet and made them worthy of a vintage show car- both mechanically and in terms of appearance. I can’t thank you enough!”
I just wanted to give you an update on our Amazon, the carbs you rebuilt, and our trip to Vermont for the 30th Anniversary VCOA Meet. We garnered 1st Place at the Route 66 Mother Road Festival, Best Foreign Car 1969 and Older. Then we managed to collect another 1st place award in the 120/130/220 class at the VCOA meet. Leaving New England and its spectacular fall color, we headed south through NY, Pennsylvania, Virginia (Blue Ridge Parkway), and Kentucky before getting back to Missouri and finally home to Kansas City.
We travelled 3,777 miles, through 10 states, 1 province, and got as much as 28.4 miles per gallon! The car ran great and I never touched the carbs the whole trip. Thanks for your contribution to a wonderful trip!”
— Jim H.
“Hi Rhys,
I had the pleasure of getting the E-type out on the road this morning for the first time with the rebuilt carburetors. It was a wonderful experience, the E ran the best it has in a long time. The idle was perfect and acceleration was smooth and fast. When shutting down, the engine did not diesel and restarting when warm it did not require choke which is a first.
Thank you for your very fine work and in allowing me to once again enjoy the driving pleasure of the E type.”
— Michael S.
“Hi Rhys - I installed the carbs last night. the engine fired up almost immediately and the carbs only needed a minor tune. Both carbs are flowing evenly and the engine is running great ( a night and day difference ).
I took the car out for a long drive today and everything was perfect, no issues with hot starts at all which was the main problem before.
You did a wonderful job and I couldn’t be any happier. I will recommend your work if anyone should ask. Thank you again so much.
1964 MGB”
— Harj K.
“The car is running great!! The best it has run since I have had it. Smooth, even starts from a stop, strong acceleration throughout the engine RPM range. It really likes to go! Even smooth idle at 750 rpm. After it warms up it idles high with the thermo on at 1200 rpm, turn the unit off and it returns to 750. There may be some finer tuning but it runs so good I am hesitant to touch it. It’s a joy to drive! Thank-you, Scott”
— Scott owns an early XJ6 with a four speed manual transmission. The carbs are HD8 Thermo units.
“I have to tell you that after driving my Volvo I haven’t stopped smiling! The SU carbs you restored are wonderful and the performance is back to where it should be. Much better low end power now and just an entirely enhanced experience. There is a reason that Volvo engineers chose these carbs to be mated with this engine and it’s perfectly clear to me now. I have to thank you for the work you did bringing these tired carbs back to enjoy a second life! It’s the best money I’ve spent on this car.
Take care,”
— Dale R.
“Hi Rhys Just a quick note to advise you: The carbs you rebuilt for the 1962 P1800 project are everything you claim them to be. I was astounded and very impressed with how well they work right out of the box, and while I tend to agree with your caution that they’ll need fine tuning, they’re practically good enough as you sent them! Super Job! I’m looking forward to sending you another set to rehabilitate.
Very sincerely yours,”
— Mark H.
“Hi Rhys,
The carbs allowed me, for the first time ever, to start the car in seconds after turning the key! I installed them on Saturday. I am totally thrilled and although I need to do a bit of fine tuning, it ran fine on a short run, and most importantly it starts and idles really well. I will definitely recommend your work!
If you are ever passing through my area give me a call and stop by for a tea and meet the old car too!”
— Barry (Note - Barry owns a 1963 Bentley Series III V-8)
