Tech Session – Understanding & Tuning SU Carburetors

🔧 Technical Session: Understanding & Tuning SU Carburetors

Club member Ken Quade will lead this session to provide a deep dive into the design, operation, and tuning of SU carburetors—an iconic component found in many classic British sports cars. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into how these carburetors function and how to optimize their performance.

SU CARB SEMINAR TOPICS

1. A carburetor’s purpose & function.

2. The difference(s) in operation between a fixed venturi carb and a variable venturi
carb.

3. A brief SU carb history.

4. A brief description of the four most common types of SU carbs currently in use.

5. Step-by-step procedures for minor troubleshooting, adjustment & tuning (including
balancing) of the four common types of SU carburetors in use that are assumed to
be assembled as they came from the factory (unmolested).

6. Step-by-step procedures for major adjustment and tuning of carbs off-vehicle with
or without a known history.

7. Routine maintenance steps.

Classic car enthusiasts, restorers, and anyone interested in the mechanical artistry of carburetion. Whether you’re new to SU carburetors or looking to refine your tuning skills, this session will equip you with the knowledge to get the most out of these elegant devices.