Lewspike69

After a lot of research and web searching, I found that The Carb Shop (Ontario CA) and SMI Induction had both very postive reviews and were at a similar level as far as feedback goes. I chose SMI because one Murphey used to be the manager at The Carb Shop back in the day. The second and most important is because SMI gives a longer warentee on their work (1 year compared to 90 days).

I am starting this thread to document my dealings with SMI; their service and the product they turn out.

I filled out their suggestion form on smiinduction.com with all of my engine and car specs, printed it out, and sent it along with my non computer controlled quadrajet this past Thursday. UPS is saying it will arrive there on Wednesday.

Lewspike69

Repurposed Summit Racing box all ready to go to the local UPS Store haha

Lewspike69

BEFORE PICTURE OF MY CARBURETOR

gt4373

What Are You Having It Rebuilt To, Show Quality,Stage 1,Stage 2, Or Stage 3.

alicat

I used SMI for my carb needs,and it was a 100% positive experience in my book.Prompt response to emails,and a good price as well.

Regards,
Alicat.

Lewspike69

I'm sorry I didn't include that. I suggested a Stage 2 but I wouldn't be surprised if I get a call from him saying I need a stage 3 since my engine is not really "moderately modified". When I know for sure what's going on ill post it along with my engine specs.

Lewspike69

Good to hear. Every question I asked before I sent it out was responded to fairly quickly. SMI seems like a good business.

IROCtheRoad

I'll be watching this thread with interests. I've sent him a few email but have yet to commit. More of a $ thing right now.

Lewspike69

Okay so UPS sent me an email informing me the package was delivered. A few hours later I received an email from Sean Murphey himself telling me that he got the carb in today. He told me that a stage 2 was a great match for my build. However he also informed me that my core was "a little rough" (it really was lol) and that usually they get cores that are actually in working condition (mine def was not). This would raise the price of the stage 2 build to about $350 for me because the actual carb needed to be restored as well. (I believe the usual price is $225 without restoring needed) He asked me for my consent and I said of course. He said he will give me a call when it was done.

He seems like a very honest and professional guy. I am so far pleased. Will keep you guys updated...

Lewspike69

My engine specs I promised:

350 bored .040 over with eagle stroker assembly = 385 cubes

Comp XR282HR Cams:
Basic Operating RPM Range:2,200-5,800
Duration at 050 inch Lift:230 int./236 exh.
Advertised Duration:282 int./288 exh.
Valve Lift:0.510 int./0.520 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees):110

AFR 195cc #1040 heads

10.1:1 Compression

Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake

should make 450+ fwhp easily. hoping for around 500.

IROCtheRoad

Any updates?

I've been following with extreme eagerness!

IROC315

iTrader: (9)

Update?

Lewspike69

I'm really sorry about the hiatus.

Okay so when I first asked for a quote over the phone I was told that a job like mine would take about a week. My carb was in rough shape so I gave it about 3 weeks before I called.
On the third week I was told by Sean that it should be about a week until its ready. I called again the following week and received the same answer. On Monday of the next week I received a call from Sean saying it was ready. It was about $350 and change. He told me it would ship out that afternoon.
This was on the 8th so I am still waiting on the package but that is understandable since its going completely cross country.

The customer service so far has always been good and friendly. My only complaint is the bad estimations on time. If I was In a rush for this project, it would be a realy burden on my build not knowing when the carb would be here.
Maybe they are very busy right now considering spring is here and all of that business in a good indication of their reputation.

But so far so good will let you guys know when I get my carb and post a picture of it for sure!

Lewspike69

ABSOLUTELY IMPRESSED!

Just got my package today


All I can say is wow!







Compare that to what I sent out!

Came with new gaskets too

gt4373

Beautiful Work,Hard To Believe It's The Same Carb.

alicat

Sean might take a bit more time but the wait is well worth it.Top quality work indeed.

Alicat.

Lewspike69

@gt4373 it really is hard to believe. There is absolutely nothing showing that this carb is 30+ years old.

@alicat I agree completely. I am very satisfied with the quality of his craft.

I can't wait to see how this carb performs on my engine. Stay tuned!

IROCtheRoad

That's it! I'm sending mine in. Any updates on it on the car?

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I used the Carb Shop in Ontario years ago and I was not happy at all with the results. Going to SMI next.

IROC315

iTrader: (9)

I am sold. That's quality work. Let us know how it performs. I am hoping to put one on my truck.

Lewspike69

Last Thursday I finally started my engine. The system was completely dry. Within 30 seconds of cranking it turned right over. Once the timing was in the right alley, it ran decent. I believe i'm having valve issues caused by incorrect valve lash/adjustment. Im getting that done this weekend as well as having my sbc guy dial in on both the timing and whatever tweaking the carb needs. However I cannot lie that it was completely, so far, a bolt on and start up upgrade. It would have been a better test if it wasn't a brand new engine and if instead it was a replacement for another carb.

So far so good.

This weekend I will know how well the carb was set up for me.

Please feel free to take a look at my build (link in my sig)

Im glad I can help !

IROCtheRoad

So just how well was the carb set up?

I have my account info all set up at SMI. Just waiting on your reply

Lewspike69

The engine was running very rich. However my tuner told me the carb was, for the most part, close how I had it ( right out of the box). So I believe overall it was set up very well as it is impossible for them to predict exactly what a motor will call for. Send your carb out to them and you will be very pleased!

gt4373

Just Curious How Has This Carb Been Performing On Startup,Idling,Etc.

426 Wedge

I've been trolling the forums for a sound rebuilder. Decided on SMI. Took about 1 week more than quoted to get it back. I have to say they got it right, right out of the box. No problems, Very satisfied.