That $400 carburetor rebuild kit taught me a hard lesson

I bought a high end kit from a shop down in Springfield for my 1971 Chevelle, figured spending the extra money would mean it was done right. Three weeks later it was leaking fuel all over the intake manifold, and the shop down there wouldn't take it back because I'd installed it myself. Has anyone else had bad luck with so called premium parts from local shops?

2 comments

2 Comments

wesleybutler5d ago

The 1971 Chevelle runs a Quadrajet right? Those things are notoriously finicky with aftermarket gaskets. I've had better luck just buying a genuine Rochester rebuild kit from NAPA for like 60 bucks and taking my time with it. Springfield shops are hit or miss, a buddy of mine got a "rebuilt" distributor from one that failed in 200 miles. Sometimes you just gotta stick with the name brand stuff from the big chains even if it feels like you're overpaying. I've been bit by the premium local stuff before too, but it's usually the installation that gets you more than the parts themselves.

fox.skyler5d ago

Have you ever noticed how the same thing plays out with EVERYTHING now? I swear, @wesleybutler is spot on about the Quadrajet gaskets, but it's the same story with my lawnmower carburetor last month. You think you're saving a few bucks with the generic kit, then you're pulling your hair out with leaks and rough idle when the real Rochester stuff just fits right the first time. It's like modern life where every cheap shortcut costs you more time and frustration in the long run, but we still keep trying the bargain option hoping it'll be different.