Carter Carb Question

Vinny6t6 · January 13, 2012, 01:04:29 PM

I need to rebuild the factory Carter Carb that is on my 66 429. The number reats 4169S. my car is auto with no a/c. I got a good deal on a fully rebuilt Carter, however it is from a 61 with a 390, number 3178s. Forgive my stupidity, but before I buy it, what is the difference? Is it the CFM? Will the 61 work on my 66? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Dave Shepherd · January 13, 2012, 02:36:42 PM

More than likely the jets and metering rods are different between the 2 engines. There may be other differences in the idle circuits also. I would get the original carb redone.

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 · January 13, 2012, 03:14:13 PM

Vinny,
The 66 AFB is 625 CFM, larger than the earlier ones, and as Dave says, there ARE several differences in jetting, rods, etc. One of the common problems with (just about any) older carbs is the wear in the primary throttle shafts and the vacuum leaks that result. If it were mine, I would have the original carb rebuilt by someone who can re-bush the shaft as well as replace the Jets and rods which also tend to wear from contact over the years.
Greg Surfas

Vinny6t6 · January 13, 2012, 04:01:28 PM

Thanks for the replies. What about the age old question........Can i put an Edelbrock Carb on my car? They are cheaper than rebuilds. I know this has probably been discussed numerous times. I have a Petronix Ignition on the car already and converted the front drums to discs, so i am not worried about originality. i want a good reliable drving car.

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 · January 13, 2012, 04:19:58 PM

Vinny,
The 429 is not a Chevy 350. Your original carburetor was finly tuned to serve all the needs of your motor. Besides the linkage, transmission kick down, fuel and vacuum connections AND the fact that the "Clone" has a lesser flow rating, I personally never even considered on of them on mine and the "extra" money spent was well worth it. I eventually decided on using a '67 intake and running a Quadrajet which, I feel not only provided a sizable increase in performance, but greatly increased the drive ability in areas of starting, traffic, and gas consumption.
Greg Surfas

Vinny6t6 · January 13, 2012, 04:27:05 PM

That's not a bad idea. I had a Rochester on my 77 CDV and on my 80 Buick Riviera and thought it was a great carb. Thanks for the advice. That's why I always come to you guys.

x-racer · January 13, 2012, 09:48:50 PM

Hi,
Personally I would keep the std AFB, check out this place:
http://www.carbkitsource.com/carbs/catalog/Cadillac/index.html
http://www.carburetion.com/Carter4.htm

I did a complete rebuild of my -66 / 429 , the number you refere seems to belong to a California mod, incl airpump? I'm not a 100% sure, but guess you find out studying the links above.

Regards AHa

Vinny6t6 · January 17, 2012, 11:56:14 AM

You are correct. I found the 4169S at a swap meet and it ran good for a while. I cleaned out my parts bin and found the original carb. I am going to have it sent out to be rebuilt. The number is 3904S. I have it narrowed down to Carburetors and More, Guarrenteed Carb or Daytona. I know everyone favors Daytona. But Guarenteed Bench tests theirs on a running motor before it is sent back. Any feedback?

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Carter Carb Question