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Carter Carburetor Types
Small block equipped with Carter WCFB carburetors The WCFB hasn’t been
produced for a number of
years, but it still enjoys a
degree of popularity, especially
with restorers of early Chevy V-
8 engines. Dual WCFBs were
part of many original-equipment
induction systems, including
those installed on early
Corvette and Chrysler Hemi
engines.
Basic Carter Models
Over the years, Carter produced four distinct models of four-barrel carburetors - the WCFB, AFB,
AVS, and Thermo-Quad. The company also produced a number of two-barrel designs, including
the WCD, WGD, and BBD. Aside from some main jets and needle-and-seat assemblies, very few
parts are interchangeable. Each model utilizes parts of a unique design, so there’s little chance of
mistaken identity.
The WCFB
The WCFB, introduced in 1952, flowed approximately 385 cfm and was comprised of three basic
castings: a cast-iron throttle body, a zinc main body, and an aluminum air horn. The WCFB may be
easily identified by its two “rectangles within a circle” air horn, and a throttle body that invariably
takes on a rust color once it has seen front-line action in an engine compartment.
The WCFB has been out of production for some time, so it is found almost exclusively on older
original or restored vehicles. From 1956 until 1961, Chevrolet used a dual-WCFB carburetion
system on a variety of high-performance 265 and 283 cubic-inch engines. Many of these were
installed in Corvettes, so WCFBs are still popular with some members of the Corvette restoration
fraternity. Single WCFB carburetors were used through 1965 on some Chevrolet engines, on 1955–
’57 Chryslers and DeSotos, 1952–’55 Oldsmobiles, and 1955–’60 Studebakers.

Given its relatively low airflow capacity, the WCFB is not particularly well suited to performance
applications. A dual WCFB installation offers a good deal of nostalgic appeal and, although suitable
for relatively mild engines, maintenance is a bit of a problem because replacement parts are difficult
to locate. While it is a good carburetor with straightforward metering circuits and counter-weighted,
air-valve secondaries, its use is fairly well confined to engines on which it was original equipment.
Hemi with dual Carter WCFB carburetors
The Hemi engines installed in
the early Chrsyler 300s were
equipped with dual Carter
WCFB carbs. Later versions
saw displacement upgraded to
392 cubic inches and AFBs
used instead of WCFBs.
The Original AFB
By 1957, engine sizes had increased to the point that a larger four-barrel carburetor was
necessary. To meet this need, Carter introduced a completely new, lightweight design called the
AFB (Aluminum Four Barrel). Where the WCFB made use of three major castings, the AFB used
only two, and both were made of aluminum. The AFB is the quintessential Carter four-barrel and
has been offered as original equipment by every major U.S. automaker. It was the carburetor that
virtually launched the early “Muscle Car” era, and it put Carter in the business of high performance.

Specific airflow ratings for early AFBs are not readily available since Carter did not flow rate their
products in those days. However, judging by venturi and throttle-bore diameters, it appears that the
flow range of original AFBs is between 450 and 625 cfm, with variations dependent upon the
original application. During the early ’60s, it was common knowledge that the model used on 425-
cubic-inch Buick Wildcats was larger than those used on dual four-barrel-equipped 409 Chevrolets.
However, the Chevrolet unit (which flowed 625 cfm) was quite popular and sold for a number of
years as a replacement carburetor.
Dual carburetor intake manifold with Performer Series AFB carburetors AFB compared to a AVS carburetor
The Performer Series AFBs are available with
airflow ratings of 500, 600, 750, or 800 cfm.
Additionally, most models are available with
either a manual or electric choke.
The best way to see the differences in the AFB
and AVS design is to place the two carbs side by
side (the AFB is on the left). A spring-loaded
secondary air valve at the top of the air horn is
the AVS’s most distinguishing characteristic.
Dual AFB carburetors
In addition to working well in
single four-barrel applications,
AFBs have also achieved
popularity in dual four-barrel
installations. Pontiac offered its ’
60s-era 421 engine with dual
AFBs.
The Late-Model Carter AFB
Later versions of the AFB were more developed and suitable for use on modern engines. Carter
offered both general performance (9000 Series) and racing (Competition Series) lines. The 9000
Series carbs were designed for easy installation. Specific models were calibrated for GM, Ford, and
Chrysler engines. These AFBs also featured electric chokes, simple linkage connections, ports for
vacuum advance and PCV valve activation, and they were available with flow capacities of 400,
500, and 625 cfm. Competition Series AFBs were offered in 500, 625, and 750 cfm capacities with
either a manual choke or none at all.

Carter 9000 series part numbers directly relate to flow ratings; a 9400 flows 400 cfm, a 9500 is a
500 cfm carburetor, and a 9625 flows 625 cubic feet of air per minute. Part numbers that end in the
exact flow rating (i.e., zero or five) are designed for Chevrolet applications; adding 1 indicates
Chrysler compatibility (for example, part number 9626 is a 625-cfm carb unit for Chrysler engines)
and the addition of 2 refers to units designed for Ford (9627). Adding 10 to any of the basic part
numbers indicates EGR provisions. The performance line also included a special carburetor listed
as part number 3721. It had 575-cfm flow rating and was originally used on the high-performance
1964–1965 Corvette 327 cubic-inch engine.
With the exception of the 400-cfm model, all of the 9000 Series AFBs contain 1-7/16-inch primary
throttle bores and 1-11/16-inch secondary throttle bores. (The 400-cfm version has 1-7/16 inch
secondary bores.) Venturi diameters range from 1-1/8 to 1-3/16 inch on the primary side and from
1-1/4 to 1-9/16 inch on the secondaries.
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This has been a sample page from

How to Rebuild and Modify Carter and Edelbrock Carburetors How to Rebuild and Modify
Carter/Edelbrock Carburetors

by Dave Emanuel
If you want to modify your carburetor-equipped vehicle for
performance today, you can choose from three major carburetor
families – Holley, Demon, and Edelbrock. While Holley and Holley-
style carburetors like Demon have been popular for years with
their well documented successes and quirks, there has never
before been a book covering the ins and outs of the emerging
Edelbrock line of carburetors.

How to Rebuild and Modify Carter/Edelbrock Carburetors reflects
the emergence of Edelbrock carburetors as the predominant
Carter-style carburetors in the market today. A revision of the
best-selling title Super Tuning and Modifying Carter Carburetors,
this book contains more than 300 color photos, illustrations, and
diagrams, covering rebuilding, tuning, and modifying Carter and
Edelbrock carburetors.
Click below to view
sample pages!
1 - History of Carburetors
2 - Carburetor Types
3 - Selecting a Carburetor
4 - How a Carburetor Works
5 - Carburetor Modifications
6 - Carburetor Tuning
7 - Rebuilding Tips
This book also features the history of Carter as well as the history
of the AFB and the AVS since the purchase by Edelbrock. Author
David Emanuel outlines carburetor types, gives a thorough look at
carb selection and carb function, and offers detailed information
on modifications, tuning, and rebuilding Carter/Edelbrock
carburetors.
This is a great book
that anyone who
owns or works on
Carter or Edelbrock
Carburetors will love!
8-1/2 x 11"
S
oftbound
136 p
ages
159 color and 156 b/w photos
Item # SA130
Price: $22.95
Click here to buy now!


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Rebuild and Modify Quadrajet Carburetors
How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Quadrajet
Carburetors, seeks to lift the veil of mystery surrounding the
Q-Jet and show owners how to tune and modify their carbs for
maximum performance. This is the only book to truly cover
step-by-step instruction on performance building the
Rochester Quadrajet! A complete guide to selecting,
rebuilding, and modifying the Q- Jet, aimed at both muscle
car restorers and racers.
Rebuild and Modify Quadrajet Carburetors
Price:
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Holley Carburetor Handbook
The Holley Carburetor Handbook explains the basics of fuel
inlet, idle, main metering, power valve and metering,
accelerator pump, secondary and choke systems on Holley
carburetors. It also covers carburetor repair and adjustment.
Bonus section describes how to choose a carburetor based on
engine size and volumetric efficiency. More than 100 photos,
charts and drawings show you how to do it right the first time.
This is a must have book for anyone working on the Holley
model 4150 or 4160 Selection.
The Holley Carburetor Handbook
Price:
$11.95

Super Tuning and Modifying Holley Carburetors
Super Tuning and Modifying Holley Carburetors shows you
how to select, install, tune, and modify all popular Holley
performance carburetors. This book gives a detailed view of
basic carburetor functioning, modifying for performance
applications, custom tuning for street, racing, off-road,
turbocharging, economy, and other special uses.
Super Tuning and Modifying Holley Carburetors
Price:
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