[1971/455/HO/4-SPD]

Is there any differences besides aesthetics? Were the Carter made for Rochester carbs put on at the assembly line or factory replacements, or ? Thanks for your input..........

[carbking]

There are two separate groups of quadrajets built by Carter.

The first group were built for G.M.; carried the GM (Rochester) part number, and were installed on engines from the factory as original equipment. These are for all intents and purposes identical to the Rochesters of the same number other than aesthetics. These units are totally acceptable for judging in original classes. Without digging into the Carter production records, memory says this continued through the 1979 model year.

The second group were built as over-the-counter replacements; and carried the Carter type part number (4 digits, followed by the letter "S" as in (S)am). These units will lose points in a point judging class, but are inexpensive replacements with factory specifications for a car that is considered a driver and will not be judged.

One caviat: As GM paid Carter on a sliding scale; ALL Pontiac high performance (low production) q-jets (ram air, h.o., and super duty) were built by Rochester only AFTER the 1967 model year. Carter did built some of the high performance units in 1967. Any carb stamped for a ram air, h.o., or SD carb on a Carter frame after 1967 should be considered a restamp.

Jon.

[1971/455/HO/4-SPD]

Great Info Jon, thank you! I am looking for the factory carb for my 74 455 Formula, #7044262. I have found more of the Carter's then the Rochester's. Just wanted to make sure it was acceptable in all causes!