fits model: 360, Challenger, Cuda, Dart. year: 1974.

( Brand: Carter ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 6488S ), ( Choke Type: Mechanical ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: No Warranty ), ( Material: Aluminum ), ( Mounting Flange Type: Spread Bore ), ( Performance Part: Yes ), ( Type: Carburetor ), ( Universal Fitment: Performance/custom ), ( Fuel Type: Gasoline ), ( Mounting Style: Bolt-on ), ( Placement On Vehicle: Front ), ( Surface Finish: Plastic )
The Carter 6488S ThermoQuad carburetor is a legendary performance component, especially for Mopar muscle cars from the 1970s. This carburetor was originally designed for use in Chrysler Corporation's B-Body cars, including the Challenger, Cuda, Duster, and Dart Sport, as well as the Dodge D150 pickup trucks, during the model year 1974. Notable for its distinctive appearance and impressive powers, the Carter 6488S ThermoQuad sets itself apart from other carburetors.
This quad barrel carburetor features four separate barrels, each with a capacity of 217 cubic inches. Each barrel is equipped with an individual float-fed throttle body, allowing for a more precise and efficient fuel mixture. The performance-enhancing design extends beyond the four barrels, as it includes a thermostatically controlled secondary enrichment system.
The ThermoQuad's secondary enrichment circuit intervenes when the engine warms up, providing an additional fuel mixture to the combustion chambers. This system ensures consistently optimal engine performance by adapting to varying engine temperatures, resulting in improved idle smoothness, smoother transitions during throttle applications, and enhanced power while maintaining more consistent engine outputs.
The Carter 6488S ThermoQuad's meticulously engineered design incorporates various components designed to optimize engine performance, such as a vacuum secondary metering system, a tapered venturi design, and a built-in vacuum pump. Additionally, this carburetor boasts a large choke mechanism, providing easy cold start enrichment for quicker and more dependable starting, especially in the harsh weather conditions prevalent during its intended era.
This classic carburetor design offers a perfect blend of power, efficiency, and reliability in a vintage automatic performance package, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts restoring and customizing their '70s Mopar muscle cars, trucks, and hot-rods. The detailed and thought-out construction of the Carter 6488S ThermoQuad carburetor ensures that it remains a highly sought-after and respected component among both collectors and weekend warriors who cherish the powerful and iconic era of muscle cars and trucking.
The Carter AFB 6488S is a 1974 360 ThermoQuad carburetor, which was initially used in various Chrysler vehicles such as Challenger, Cuda, Duster, and Dart Sport D150. This analysis will discuss the pros and cons of installing this carburetor in the aforementioned cars.
II. Pros of the Carter AFB 6488SA. Thermal Secondary System: A major advantage of the Carter ThermoQuad 6488S is the thermal secondary system. This innovation created a richer idle mixture and helped the carbs adjust better to cold starting conditions. This feature offers improved drivability, especially in auto applications.
B. Fuel Efficiency: Thermal secondary fuel metering can help improve fuel economy as it allows for more accurate fuel metering and optimized fuel delivery. This leads to a more efficient combustion process.
C. Versatility: The Carter AFB 6488S is suitable for various Chrysler applications, including Challenger, Cuda, Duster, and Dart Sport D150. This makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts with these vehicle types, as it offers a wide application range.
D. Easier Cold Start: The ThermoQuad design allows for easier cold starts by enriching idle fuel mixture, making it a preferred option for car enthusiasts living in colder regions.
III. Cons of the Carter AFB 6488SA. Maintenance: Relative to newer carburetors, Carter ThermoQuad models like the 6488S are known to be more demanding regarding maintenance. Regular cleaning, adjustments, and rebuilding are required for optimized performance.
B. Limited Fuel Economy: Although it can improve fuel efficiency, the Carter AFB 6488S does not offer significant fuel economy compared to modern fuel-injected systems. This may be a drawback for some enthusiasts looking for the most efficient carburetor.
C. Complexity: ThermoQuad carburetors can be more intricate to remove and reassemble compared to simpler single or dual carburetor configurations. This could deter some car owners from attempting repairs or modifications on their own.
IV. Conclusion & RecommendationThe Carter AFB 6488S 1974 360 ThermoQuad Carburetor has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to modern fuel-injected systems. Its thermal secondary system ensures easier cold starts and can enhance fuel economy in some applications. However, it requires more maintenance compared to its modern counterparts.
When considering installing a Carter AFB 6488S in Challenger, Cuda, Duster, or Dart Sport D150 vehicles, potential purchasers should weigh the pros and cons carefully. If cold starting is a significant concern and the desire for vintage aesthetics outweighs the demand for modern fuel efficiency or convenience, the Carter ThermoQuad 6488S could be a good fit. Alternatively, if fuel economy and ease of use are priorities, a modern fuel-injected system may be a better option.
Ultimately, the choice between these configurations depends on each vehicle owner or enthusiast's preferences and goals.
Carb number is 6488S and dated 344 4 344th day of 1973 for the 1974 model year. Looks pretty complete and everything moves freely. This is correct for any 1974 Mopar with a 360 4 BBL engine. Shipping is a flat rate of $30.00 in the US, $90.00 to Canada and $150.00 elsewhere.
The carb looks to be in good used condition. The item for sale here is a 1974 Carter Thermoquad 360 Carburetor.