C1 CARBURETOR

[Mark Radin]

Hi -

I am restoring a '59 with a 283, and need some advice about what carb to use. The car came without one - although it has a standard intake manifold (cast number 3919803) I would like to fit a remanufactured Carter to restore orginality. Any idea where I can buy one? Will it run as smooth as a Holley, Edlebrock, Quadrajet?

Your reply would be appreciated - Thanks. Mark (in England)

[Michael K.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

You can try Daytona Parts Company (www.cartercarb.com) or Chuck Smith & Co. (760.749.5755). I have had good luck dealing with both of these places for my 57 carb parts.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Depents a bit if you have an early or late '59 car. There was a running change on the model used that year. Original carb is a QuadraJet Rochester carb but correct model is dependent on build date/VIN of your car.

greetings,
Rob.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Rob--
Are you sure of that? My impression has been that a Carter WCFB was correct usage for the single four barrell carburetor throughout 1959 (as well as 56, 57, 58, and 60 through 63)

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Mike,

Sorry you are right, it is the Carter WCFB (I was confused with the C3)...

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Contact Phil at Custom Rebuilt Carburetors. He does nice work and is a walking encyclopedia about vintage carbs. He has many restored OEM and clones in stock. I bought a 2 x 4 set up from him for my 1961. His shop is in New Jersey, USA. The website is informative as well: http://www.customrebuiltcarbs.com

Cheers!
Mike

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Your 3919803 intake manifold came from a 1968 Corvette (maybe other Chevys too, but I don't know that) 300 and 350 HP 327 motor. It is cast iron. It'll bolt into your car and onto your 283 engine just fine. The original carb for that manifold was a Rochester Quadrajet.

Your '59 Corvette took a Carter WCFB carb. I don't know if the WCFB will bolt onto a 3919803 intake. You probably don't have enough room under the '59 hood for an adapter. Tha's good. Those stupid things are a kluge and a source of vacuum leaks.

You can mix intakes and carbs to some extent. When I did something similar to this, I found that solving 1 problem, created 2 others. In the end, the easiest and cheapest way was to use original parts.

Don't be fooled into thinking that just because the parts bolt on that they will work well. For instance, your '59 air cleaner won't fit the Quadrajet. You can cobble something together. But I like the looks of a '59 air cleaner when I open the hood. The fuel inlet lines for these 2 carbs are in different places. Do you know how to bend and make hard fuel lines? Do you want a choke on the carb?

I think the WCFB (and all the Carter carbs) are superior to the others. But opinions vary. I think Holleys are fire hazards.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

WCFB won't fit an intake with Quadrajet bolt pattern. mike

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

I agree with the others, put it back to original and you will have a lot less problems - the fuel lines, accelerator linkage, choke tube, etc will line up as it should without any modifications.

Those original cast iron intake manifolds are still out there and can usually be had for way less than $100. Check on ebay and at swap meets. Sorry but I don't have my books here at work or I would give you the part number to look for. Maybe somebody else can help.

Also be sure to look for a single-digit year on the date casting signifying that it came from Flint which is correct. The Tonawanda cast manifold is identical in fit and function but if you are going through the trouble do it right the first time.

[John H.]

Re: C1 CARBURETOR

Mark -

You need a casting #3746829 intake manifold - it will accept a Carter WCFB carburetor.

[Jack H.]

Mark, before you scour America...

looking for a correct intake manifold and carb, why not check in your own backyard? Tom Falconer is the NCRS UK Judging Chairman and runs Claremont Corvette SW of London.

He actually HAS used original Corvette parts and they're in-country with duties paid. Why not ring him up at 0634-244444 and see?