[amazondean]

I totaly agree. I have never needed to replace new parts on an SU carb. All I have ever done is strip, clean, rebuild and set up properley with new gaskets. I have come across the odd needle thats worn due to incorrect alignment in the jet. I have had a few problems with bad running even when the ignition side is perfect and found most problems with either the manifold itself or leaks from the gasket or pipes off it. I also have three cars on the road with twin carbs and two sets of carbs on the bench at the moment. All have some play in the butterfly spindles of about 8 thou'. My cars run spot on and get over thirty to the gallon on a run. It's all about setting them up properly, which is not rocket science. Specialists will always tell you that you need a rebuild because either they don't know anything about them, or that's the easiest route for them.