Carb Restoration

[Jim Damasiwicz]

I need my carb on my 66 big block restored, any recommendations?

[Jack H.]

Re: Carb Restoration

For Holley restoration, I like Jerry Luck Motorsports or Bob Kunz. Search the archieves for contact info and/or look for ads in your copy of NCRS Driveline.

[Bill Braun 33186]

Three words....

Jerry.

Luck.

Motorsports.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Three additional words....

Excellent.

But.

Slow.

PH

[Jack H.]

Lead time....

with almost all of the carb restoration services varies with WHEN you ship 'em the carb for work. A lot of folks wait until the peak summer driving months (also peak show/judging period), then seem disappointed the pro shops want 2-3 months to execute turnaround. Those who wait for the dead of winter (October-December), are often 'pleased' to observe turnaround times of 2-5 weeks.

This isn't just an issue for Jerry Luck, it happens to a lot of the pro carb shops with proven track records. Jerry also has had 'personal' issues (major health work) that resulted in a few shut-down episodes of his shop a few years ago. We're lucky (no pun intended) he's with us today....

[Jeremy D.]

My two cents worth....

....I just got my 4555 Holley back from the Holley Performance/Restoration Shop not too long ago. They completely rebuilt it, using all the right stuff, and re-dichromated it. It looks awesome, and I literally slapped it on the car and it is set up PERFECT, jetting and everything. They sent me all the old junk parts back as well. It was at their shop for about a month, and I paid a little over $300.00. I just figured that the best way to get the thing right (and it was in pretty sad shape)was to send it to the people who built it in the first place.

[Bill W.]

Re: My two cents worth....

I like Bob Kunz

[Patrick H.]

Re: Lead time....

Jack,

Most I know would be happy with 2-3 months for Jerry. Triple that estimate and you're closer to reality. And I agree and know well, for many and various reasons the last few years have been much worse for Jerry and his service turnaround.

And yes, I send my carbs in when I put the cars away for the winter, not when I get them out in the Spring.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: My two cents worth....

You're the first guy ever heard say that.

My Q-jet was junk after Chicago Corvette sent it to Holley for a rebuild (before my purchase). Since then I've refused to recommend or use either.

Patrick

[Jeremy D.]

Re: My two cents worth....

I was very specific in telling them what I wanted done to the carb. Luckily, one of the techs there was very helpful and knew what I wanted to do. I have heard some horror stories about Holley's restoration, but I think if you deal with them directly and be specific, they will accommodate you the best they can. My car is not a showpiece and is not going for Bowtie anytime soon, but it is getting better and better and now runs like all kinds of crazy. Therefore, I am happy.

[Patrick H.]

Re: My two cents worth....

Jeremy,

I wasn't going for show or Bowtie either. The jets and rods installed in my Q-jet were so mismatched that I could barely get the car to idle, and it died above 2500 rpm. Upon disassembly later, I found beads from a beadblasting operation in various locations throughout the carb.

I had purchased the carb as "restored" through Chicago Corvette, and they had it done by Holley when I purchased the carb (they don't restore cores until someone wants them). Al was less than helpful, and really didn't care if I got the carb to work or not. The people at Holley at least sent me new parts for free, but wanted to send me the same incorrect ones as the first time until I told them what the original specs were.

Two local Club members have had similar problems, and the Archives hold more stories.

So, while you may be happy, you are still the first one I've heard say that. I've heard many more send them to Jerry Luck after they'd already paid Holley. As a result, none of my money will ever go to Al Fierke, Chicago Corvette or Holley. I even avoid going to the Chicago Chevy-Vettefest because Al's the organizer of that event.

There isn't any other Corvette "supplier" that I dislike as much as him. But I'll bet you could tell that.

Patrick