SU Carburettors
A History of SU Carburettors
SU Carburettors were originally known as a ‘Union Carburettors’ but later became known as SU Carburettors, 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 Carburettors. During this time a Patent was granted for a 'constant depression' carburettor design with a variable choke size, fixed size jet with tapered mixture needle. The basic design of SU Carburettors remained virtually unchanged throughout its history.
Under expert control of the SU Co. Ltd SU Carburettors dominated the carburettor 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 Carburettors for the Rolls Royce Merlin engined Supermarine Spitfire & Hawker Hurricane as well as many others during World War II.
The last production of SU Carburettors included HIF & KIF types in 1994 which were direct descendants of the original SU Carburettors, making SU Carburettors the longest running UK carburettor 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 Carburettors and genuine SU Carburettor parts in the world.
SU Carburettors Applications
Single SU Carburettors: Basic saloon cars
Twin SU Carburettors: Sports cars, sports saloons
Large SU Single/Twin Carburettors: Supercharging, racing, MG, Riley, Bentley etc.
Triple SU Carburettors: High performance sports & saloons 'large engines'
Quad SU Carburettors: Usually vintage 8 cylinder engines, Alvis, Lagonda etc.
Whichever setup you require, whether it be single carburettors, twin carburettors etc it is essential to have correct parts fitted to your carburettor to suit the vehicle it is intended for. The carburettor 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 Carburettors and so have the knowledge and skills to fully recondition your SU Carburettors.
If you are searching for someone to recondition your SU Carburettors call GW Carbs in the UK on 07803 593126 and ask to speak to Glen Watson.
Call GW Carbs:
07803 593126
