Carter AFB tech data and parts list

[Duke W.]

The attached pdf files contain Carter AFB information for '62-'65 300 and 340 horsepower 327s. The first pdf has 3 pages of tech data and part numbers. The second pdf is a single page that lists all available AFB/AVS jets and rods.

Note that these documents were published by ACF Industries in the 1962-1970 time frame when Carter was owned by ACF. I don't know if any of these original Carter jets and rods are still available, but Edelbrock has a decent selection that should fit original Carter AFBs.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/performance/fuel---air-delivery/carburetors/edelbrock-jets---metering-rods/6a7e0084246c

After 1963 the AFB was only used on the 300 horsepower 327s through '65, and the engineers continued to refine the calibration with three more versions that involved overall leaning since the low overlap 300 HP cam can tolerate a leaner mixture than the high overlap Duntov cam. The one example of richening was increasing the idle jet size that's part of the primary venturi clusters from .035" to .037" on the SB versions, which were the final iteration and service replacements for all previous versions.

You may be able to further optimize the cruise mixture for better fuel economy by trying out metering rods with a larger economy step, and the metering rods are easy to change. Go in minimum increments until you get some lean surge at light throttle, then go back one size.

There's more information on this in my tuning seminar (see restoration documents sticky).

Duke

[Bob W.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

Duke, Thanks for this information . It will be helpful to many .

Bob

[Richard M.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

Duke, I've added the 2 pdf files(as links from post#1) to the DoRD Sticky Update Page.

Great info, thanks.

Rich

[Jack M.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

GREAT info, Duke... much appreciated! Hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to try improving the PDF scans.
These two attachments are the same documents, but sized for better printing, and have search capabilities via OCR.
When searching via the Control+F (PC) or Command+F (MAC) key combo, a dialogue box will appear in your PDF...
I'd suggest using very SHORT (even partial) search terms/numbers, as the OCR can make mistakes on old documents.

[Duke W.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

Fine by me. I tried the ctrl f and searched for the .104 jet size both with and without the decimal point, and it didn't work, but I'm not a pdf jock. I just get by.

Since your pdfs have more functionally than mine I'm fine with Rich replacing mine with yours, both in this thread and in the resto docs sticky,

Duke

[Jack M.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

OK, Duke... I tired to fix and re-upload the 'Jets and Rods' document, as that had some pencil lines causing the 104 search issue.
This is about the best I can do... itz not so unusual to see these type of search errors, especially on older docs and photocopies.

[Richard M.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

Gents, I'll make the changes when I get back on the laptop. I'll be pointing to this thread for the links, so a easy change.

Nice clever additions Jack. Thanks...

Edit - The DoRD Sticky now includes the updated & OCR searchable files.

Rich

[Duke W.]

Re: Carter AFB tech data and parts list

This recent "mini-project" of scanning and posting the old Carter documents that I've had since the seventies reopened an old question I had about the part number history including supersessions and discontinuance dates. I'm sure most of you know the "go-to guy" for this kind of info is Joe Lucia, so I reached out to Joe, and he was back to me in less than 24 hours with the whole history.

One of the revelations to me is that the last version of the AFB was available through GMPD into 1986. I bought a 3721SB through the aftermarket in the mid-seventies and recall looking at the Corvette P&A catalogs that I got from Hessell Chevrolet in El Segundo, CA when they closed back in the early eighties or thereabouts. I couldn't find a listing, but after getting Joe's email I checked again and there it was. I don't know how I missed it. The 9/77 revision of the catalog lists the 3851761 in Group 3.725, list price $95.25.

Note that beginning with the 34... versions for '63, PG versions have zero as the fourth digit and 1 for MT verdions, and this continued through the 37... versions.

Also understand that the change to the SA and SB versions of the 372XS versions maintained the same GMPD part number.

Here's Joe's history data for GMPD availability (Thanks, Joe!):



1962 3310S (PG)-----GM #3819207 >7/67 > GM# 3851762 > 2/73> GM# 3851761 > discontinued without supersession June, 1986


1962 3269S (MT)------GM #3797699 > 10/64 > GM #3851761 > discontinued without supersession June, 1986



1963 3460S------GM #3826006 > 7/64 > GM #3851762 > 2/73 > GM #3851761 > discontinued without supersession June, 1986



1963 3461S-------GM #3826004> 7/64 > GM #3851761 > discontinued without supersession June, 1986



1964 3720S-----GM #3851762 (see 3310S above)


1964 3720SA---GM #3851762 (see 3310S above)


1964 3721S-----GM #3851761 (see 3269S above)


1964 3721SA-----GM #3851761 (see 3269S above)


1965 SB versions - same as 64 above

The St. Louis production line transition from the 3720S/3721S to the SA versions occurred in the Oct/Nov '63 time frame, the transition to the SB versions was approximately November '64. I'm still working on the differences between the PG and MT versions. The Carter data indicates metering rods, but some of that data doesn't jibe with what's in the Corvette Shop Manuals. When I sort it out I'll report back.

I doubt if anyone will be able to find an NOS version of any of these AFBs. Used examples in various conditions are available through used parts vendors, carb specialists, and Ebay. Since the 372... SB versions were available from GMPD (and likely the aftermarket at least that long) for over 20 years after they wee no longer used for St. Louis production, the most common one you might find is probably the 3721SB.

They're pretty easy to tune. Once you get the WOT mixture right with jets, you can optimize fuel economy with metering rods that are super simple to change.

Duke