Date Code on Carter Carb

[Jeffrey A.]

I have a carter carb for me 63 327/300hp powerglide car. The model is a AFB #3460S and under the #3460S is stamped BD3 . Can someone tell me what the BD3 means ( I know it relates to the date, but the B is throwing me off) Thanks - Jeff

[Timothy B.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

You have the correct carburetor for your car. The B refers to the second revision of the carburetor. The jet size, metering rods or even choke setting may have been changed. This also happened in 1962 with the Carter carburetor.

I can't remember exactly, but someone posted a while ago about the same thing for a 63 Carter so check archives for more info.

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

Tim

Here is a picture I just took of my carb. Thanks for the help. Like I said the B throw me off I am assuming the D stands for March and the 3 stands for 1963.
Jeff

[Timothy B.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

Jeff, The D would be April and the 3 indicates 1963. The letter I was not used in the date coding.

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

You are correct I was to fast in typing. Thanks

[Stuart F.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

That is the first AFB I've seen with the revision letter NOT on the same line as the model number, as it becomes a part of the model number. That is not to say it isn't correct, rather it is the first one I've seen that could be interpreted as having a revision letter stamped on the second line. Also, I can't say I've ever seen either a 3460S or 3461S with a revision letter - plenty of 3720S and 3721S, either with Rev. "A" or "B" for 64's and 65's, but not on a 63 model carb.

If indeed there was no revision, then we'd need another explanation, wouldn't we, and I don't have one. Revision letters were also applied if the fixed idle speed jets varied from original. That requires a different number primary venturi cluster. The Corvette service books list only .035" and .037" idle speed jets, but I have measured some at .033" and .036".

On a side note, I checked out most every AFB at the winter meet in the swap section this past weekend and found that many of the rebuilt units which were selling for $500. and $600. contained a varity of mixed components. So if one was looking for only a correctly stamped model and date code you may be successful, but it may not perform as expected.

Stu Fox

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Date Code on Carter Carb

Stuart

Thanks for the explanation in helping me understand what I have. Sounds like it could be rare for my car.