<VV> Modified carbs performance question

[Grant Young]

I received a modified set of 140 carbs for rebuild that a customer purchased from another owner. They have been modified by increasing the venturi area to the same size as the throttle body area. The venturi cluster arms have not been extended. The other mods can be undone. But, before I spend time and charge for rebuilds that might not work as expected, I thought it best to check with those of you who have some experience with this. I have read that the step between the venturi and throttle body area is there to accelerate the flow and that cluster arms should be extended to allow them to operate properly and that idle quality and performance can otherwise suffer. 
Thanks for some insight.
Grant