SU Carburetor
A History of the SU Carburetor
The SU Carburetor was originally known as a ‘Union Carburetor’ but later established itself as SU Carburetor, with ‘SU’ being an acronym of Skinners Union more commonly known as SU Co. Ltd – a company formed by Brothers Carl and Herbert Skinner in 1910.
Prior to SU Co. Ltd being formed Carl Skinner had worked his way up through a company called George Wailes and Co. of London which originally handled the production of SU Carburetors. During this time a Patent was granted for a 'constant depression' carburetor design with a variable choke size, fixed size jet with tapered mixture needle. The basic SU Carburetor design of remained virtually unchanged throughout its history.
Under expert control of the SU Co. Ltd the SU Carburetor dominated the carburetor industry with initial customers including Rover and Wolseley and later Saab and Volvo. In addition to supplying the motor industry, SU Co. Ltd SU manufactured Aero Carburetors for the Rolls Royce Merlin engined Supermarine Spitfire & Hawker Hurricane as well as many others during World War II.
The last production of SU Carburetors included HIF & KIF types in 1994 which were direct descendants of the original SU Carburetor, making SU Carburetors the longest running UK carburetor production.
SU Co. Ltd was merged into British Motor Corporation (B.M.C) in 1952 then on into British Leyland eventually being resurrected by Burlen Fuel Systems in 1997. Burlen Fuel Systems are the sole manufacture of genuine SU Carburetors and genuine SU Carburetor parts in the world.
SU Carburetor Applications
Single SU Carburetor: Basic saloon cars
Twin SU Carburetor: Sports cars, sports saloons
Large SU Single/Twin Carburetor: Supercharging, racing, MG, Riley, Bentley etc.
Triple SU Carburetor: High performance sports & saloons 'large engines'
Quad SU Carburetor: Usually vintage 8 cylinder engines, Alvis, Lagonda etc.
Whichever setup you require, whether it be a single carburetor, twin carburetor etc it is essential to have correct parts fitted to your carburetor to suit the vehicle it is intended for. The carburetor mounting angle should be observed as well as basic components and calibration parts 'needles, jets, springs etc.
GW Carbs have over 20 years experience building & specialising in SU Carburetors and so have the knowledge and skills to fully recondition your SU Carburetor.
If you are searching for someone to recondition your SU Carburetor call GW Carbs in the UK on 07803 593126 and ask to speak to Glen Watson.
Call GW Carbs:
07803 593126
