C1 1960 Carburetor - Options other than WCFB

[Rick Coleman]

My 60 has the appropriate WCFB carb on it. Unfortunately I haven't had a lot of success with the last 2 rebuild efforts. From past postings I've learned of one or more individuals that are apparently highly capable of doing a quality rebuild.

However, for the time being I'd like to consider other options since the car is for driving vs. show.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations regarding carb options other that my Carter? Perhaps Holley or Edelbrock? I like to utilize off the shelf, modern technology.

For what it's worth:

If I recall correctly, my 283 engine/manifold are 1967 vintage.

I realize I'll have to utilize a different cleaner base, but that's not a problem since I have a previously altered original that I can modify.

I also expect that I'll have to be cautious regarding carb "height" so that it doesn't interfere with the hood. Particularly if I have to utilize some sort of adapter plate.

Any help is always appreciated.

Rick

[Clem Z.]

Re: C1 1960 Carburetor - Options other than WCFB

a small AFB should bolt up with no problem. AFBs are good and easy to set up carbs. a holley and most other carbs will require a adapter because of the bolt pattern

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: C1 1960 Carburetor - Options other than WCFB

A '65 vintage Rochester should bolt up too. Simple, easy to get parts for, and Cheap.

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: C1 1960 Carburetor - Options other than WCFB

Most any of the carburetors that require a adaptor plate will put the air cleaner into the hood. There is very little clearance between the top of the air cleaner and the hood. Be careful. My 1960 had a Rochester 4 Jet bolted to it when I purchased it. I had a local Vette mechanic rebuild mine Carter WCFB two years ago and it has run like new ever since. Rebuild was around $180.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 1960 Carburetor - Options other than WCFB

Your intake manifold has the older WCFB bolt pattern, so a Holley won't fit without an adapter.

A modern AFB will bolt on without an adapter - either the Carter or the Edelbrock. Take your pick. Gas pedal linkage will also bolt right up.

The air cleaner base will need to be changed. But these are easy to find.

Finally, your old gas line won't bolt up. You can run rubber hose from the fuel filter to the carb inlet to get the car running. But you should fabricate a steel line. That'll take some practice; a $10 tube bender; some fittings; and some 5/16" fuel line.

Nice thing about the Carter or Edelbrock - it'll run perfectly right out of the box.

[Rick Coleman]

Re: C1 1960 Carb - What CFM?

Thanks for all of the feedback. Now I've got some worthwhile options.

If a Carter or Edelbrock is purchased, what CFM should it be? I seem to recall that the CFM on the original WCFB is 385(?)

Rick

[John H.]

Re: C1 1960 Carb - What CFM?

The (real) Carter and Edelbrock/Carter both have 500CFM AFB carbs, with your choice of manual or electric chokes; that's the smallest they make (Summit has them).

[Rick Coleman]

Got one... putting it on now

Thanks everyone. Picked up an Edelbrock 500 CFM with electric choke yesterday. Fortunately a local shop here in Lexington Ky had one in stock, and also fortunately the pricing was very favorable.

Installed the carb last night, working on linkage, fuel line, etc. today.

Thanks for all of the help.

Looking forward to a better running car.

Rick