carter TQ

The Carter Thermoquad (TQ) is a large four barrel carburetor with small primaries and large secondary bores, referred to as a 'spreadbore' design. Thermoquads share the same flange as Rochester Quadrajets and Holley spreadbore carbs but use different flange gaskets.

The main body or float bowl of the TQ is made of black phenolic plastic which is meant to keep the gasoline cooler than a conventional metal float bowl.

Carter Thermoquad 9046S
- uses kit CK109, floats F3 and choke pull off VB14

Thermoquad Applications

Thermoquads were used as original equipment on mostly Chyrsler products from 1971 to 1985.

A few Lincoln 460 CID engines in 1974 used an electric choke version of the TQ. IHC used TQ's from 1974-1980. Australian Fords also used these carbs in the late 70's and early 80's.

The carb was also produced in aftermarket versions up to 1000 cfm.

A handy way of distinguishing large TQ carbs used on 440 CID engines from those on small block Dodges is to look at the primary throttle plates. Small carbs use aluminum primary throttle plates, whereas the larger CFM carbs have steel primary throttle plates.

Service Information

The TQ is a sophisticated carburetor that uses some of the same design concepts as the Rochester Quadrajet, including a secondary air valve/variable area secondary venturi that allows the same basic carb size to be used on a range of engine sizes.

A detailed discussion of the characteristics of the Thermoquad carburetor is here. This excellent guide was written by Gary Lewallen and is reproduced here with his permission.