Fuel System: Carter 3540, 3489 AFB

[345 DeSoto]

Can anyone tell me what the CFM is on a Carter 3540 and 3589 AFB...Lark carburetor. I'm trying to find a 400 CFM Carter AFB, and I'm hoping this might be it. Thanks...

[bezhawk]

https://www.hemmings.com/partslocator/carburetors.html

It's off a truck 259 according to this

[karterfred88]

The only way I know to "tell" the CFM of a carter AFB is by measuring the bore and venturi sizes. There are sooooooo many model numbers that have nothing to do with sizes, just numbered for a specific application. This might help some.

[PackardV8]

Those were a very limited production model used on the B-O-P 215" V8 among others and I can't remember ever seeing them as an aftermarket offering.

I've got a professionally rebuilt pair on the shelf I've been planning to use on a Packard V8. IIRC, I paid about $500 each.

Having said that, if you're planning a 2X4 setup, I've successfully used the 600 CFM with progressive linkage and they worked well.

Whichever way you go, install a wideband O2 sensor and readout. Once I used one, now I won't even try to tune carbs beyond idle adjustment without having the O2 sensor.

jack vines

[bezhawk]

You can resize the venturi and rejet for the new size. I resized 625 CFM down to 370.

[345 DeSoto]

I just don't want to over carburet the 289 in my Sky Hawk...thus a 400 CFM.

[PackardV8]

I just don't want to over carburet the 289 in my Sky Hawk...thus a 400 CFM.

Carburetors are remarkably forgiving. I've run the 400, 500, 600 and 625 CFM Carter/Edelbrock carbs on 289"s and there's not as much difference as the numbers suggest. But yes, if one can be found the 400 would be preferable.

You are aware the original WCFB is exactly the correct CFM for your 289"? Why not just have oof those professionally rebuilt? It's really a good carburetor.

jack vines

[karterfred88]

I was also going to suggest a WCFB as probably the easiest to find in the 400 CFM size, other than a 390 CFM Holley. That CFM range is mostly served by 2 barrel carbs, which may actually be the best answer.

[345 DeSoto]

A Carter/Edelbrock AFB would make installing my 200-4R TV cable and cruise control much easier.

[bezhawk]

Here is the reworked 370 cfm AFB