1966 GTO 3x2 A.I.R.

[60sStuff]

This unit is a one year, one model GTO with Tri-Carb and a manual transmission.
Only 1550 ‘66 GTO’s were built with code #616 / WV option. These were a California sold New vehicle.

I found this scarce 3x2 at a swap meet roughly 40 years ago from an older gentleman that said he had it stored in his garage for many years.

Aside from all the plumbing, molded hoses, special air cleaners and the separate air cleaner for the smog pump this unit also required a different center carburetor that has a ported vacuum. A small steel line comes off the RH side of the center carb “above” the throttle plate.
Another unique item is the fragile opaque plastic 4 way connector #9784771 used only on this ‘66 A.I.R. system.

[60sStuff]

More unique items on this one application 3x2 system.

Flat round bronze flame arrester screens were installed on the three air cleaner bases to reduce the possibility of flames from backfires on these units.

The factory correct carb tags are still in place on this 3x2.

The ‘66 A.I.R. GTO could be built at any of the 5 plants, but the vast majority were built at the Fremont, Ca. plant.
The Fremont built cars utilized full steel fuel lines on the carbs including the cool wrap around line on the front carb.
These fuel lines were a Bundyweld construction and most of the 58 year old lines have the copper showing through from age.
The other plants used aluminum lines with a rubber hose around the front carb.

Last photo shows a restored ‘66 A.I.R. GTO with aluminum fuel lines.
This car unfortunately has the RH valve cover on backwards.

[Steve Shauger]

Wow thanks for sharing such a wealth of detailed information with our members. Great stuff!

[olredalert]

----Chris,,,That smog pump air-cleaner is close to or the same as was used on 67 442's. The California sold 442 I once owned had that muffler plus about half of the rest of the smog set-up in the trunk when I bought it....Bill S

[Hawkeye]

Thanks for sharing. Would the K19 A.I.R. Smog setup that Dan (MosportGreen66) posted in the parts for sale section a few months ago compliment this setup?

Cheers,
Marty

[60sStuff]

Thanks for sharing. Would the K19 A.I.R. Smog setup that Dan (MosportGreen66) posted in the parts for sale section a few months ago compliment this setup?

Cheers,
Marty

Hi Marty,

I wasn’t able to find that “parts for sale post” you’re talking about, so I’m not sure of the compatibility.

[Hawkeye]

Thanks again for sharing the Tri-carb setup. These details can be very useful for restoration or preservation purposes.

Hopefully this link works:
https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=179456&highlight=Smog

Cheers,
Marty

[olredalert]

----People need to at least call Bill Hodel as he knows as much as anybody on earth about early GM smog set-ups. I don't have an E-mail for him where I am right now. Call or E-mail him for specific info if you think he can help you. He is Chevy oriented but a wealth of info. I hope I don't regret mentioning this as I'm sure he doesn't need a lot of non-productive calls. Just an old friend of mine again popping up as usual....Bill S

[RPOLS3]

I don't have an E-mail for him where I am right now.

[email protected]

[60sStuff]

These 64-66 Black & White photos are from old test car articles showing the Tri-power GTO’s engine bay.
All having their OEM foam air filters.

Breakdown with total built.
1964
1965 WS manual = 19091
1966 WS manual = 15803
1966 YR automatic = 1759
1966 WV Manual A.I.R. = 1550