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Which Thermoquad?

Posted By: Secret Chimp

Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 01:56 AM

I've gotten curious about Thermoquads and want to give one a try. I'm trying to find one that will run well on my engine (318 67 closed-chamber w Summit 6900) without any parts changing. I'd like to see if I get better throttle response and easier cruise tuning/economy than fidgeting with my AVS.

I've tried researching for my application, I'm a bit lost even with Vaanth's guide. With all of the different ones available on Fleabay and the like I'm really not sure what would be both a cheap & appropriate option for me. I know different years introduced different electronic emissions things that I probably don't want, but some earlier year carbs miss out on improvements done sometime in the 70s. Apparently some but not all later-70s carbs have a limiter or cap on the metering tree adjuster which kind of defeats one of my goals, etc.

What should I be setting my sights on?
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 01:59 AM

ANY of the 6000's series carbs. The metering rods w/ the 1966# on them are suppose to be the best starting point. Be careful with a first time removing the idle mixture screws on a carb that hasnt been used in a while, they are usually stuck and will break off.
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 02:06 AM

Everybody seems to be selling 9000 series. This is the typical "deal" I'm finding:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-6324S-1083-...r#ht_2116wt_956

Is that what I ought to expect when looking for 6000s?
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 02:49 AM

Quote:

Everybody seems to be selling 9000 series. This is the typical "deal" I'm finding:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-6324S-1083-...r#ht_2116wt_956

Is that what I ought to expect when looking for 6000s?




Yep, looks about right.

Personally I wouldnt pay that much (because Im a cheapass)but I do love me some TQs. 9000s can be made to work, but are generally loaded down with extra emissions equipment and you have to know what to tune,cover,remove to make those carb work. I find about 1 6000's series for every 5 9000's series. You can still find them at swap meets (all series) for $5-$40 with most around $25. This will also be where you get your spare parts. Lots of good threads on here would be gald to post them for you, all sorts of things covered.

Posted By: OrangeProwler

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 04:48 AM

One word: Demonsizzler
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 04:52 AM

Quote:

One word: Demonsizzler



Isn't he out of the business or something?

I thought I read an inquiry a few months ago about where he was and a friend/forum member said he'd sold all of his stuff.
Posted By: twinscrew698

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 01:29 PM

Quote:

Quote:

One word: Demonsizzler



Isn't he out of the business or something?

I thought I read an inquiry a few months ago about where he was and a friend/forum member said he'd sold all of his stuff.


His web site is down!
Members had trouble getting a hold of him!
Might wanna try http://harmsauto.com/
Scottsmith Harms is a member here!
Quality work of what i have seen!
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 03:13 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

One word: Demonsizzler



Isn't he out of the business or something?

I thought I read an inquiry a few months ago about where he was and a friend/forum member said he'd sold all of his stuff.


His web site is down!
Members had trouble getting a hold of him!
Might wanna try http://harmsauto.com/
Scottsmith Harms is a member here!
Quality work of what i have seen!



I'd love to get a TQ done by Scott, but if I had that kind of money to throw at my car I'd have a lot less questions to ask
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 04:18 PM

Pretty much any early pre smog TQ 6000/9000 series will work well on your small block, I have some good cores on hand, If it helps your budget amy you buy the restoration I'll give you a free core (I have several early 70's 340/360 #s on hand). Good luck either way
Posted By: 77ProStreet

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 06:31 PM

Hey Secret Chimp, I see you are in Bothell. There is a local guy in Arlington that is AWESOME with TQ's. He has done several for me and just built one for my MH. That one cost me $275. He loves TQ's and has a stockpile of them even the 1000 cfm ones. PM me and can get you his #.
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 07:47 PM

Would something like this work, or is it on the wrong edge of emissions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARTER-THERMOQUA...tr#ht_500wt_971
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 07:48 PM

Quote:

Pretty much any early pre smog TQ 6000/9000 series will work well on your small block, I have some good cores on hand, If it helps your budget amy you buy the restoration I'll give you a free core (I have several early 70's 340/360 #s on hand). Good luck either way



Thanks for the offer, not calling your prices steep, I'm just poor


Quote:

Hey Secret Chimp, I see you are in Bothell. There is a local guy in Arlington that is AWESOME with TQ's. He has done several for me and just built one for my MH. That one cost me $275. He loves TQ's and has a stockpile of them even the 1000 cfm ones. PM me and can get you his #.



Nice, PM sent
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/02/12 09:32 PM

No problem, good luck
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/03/12 05:18 AM

Don't waste your time or money on a 9000 series. Get a 6000 series. End of discussion. Period.

Also, since you're putting on one a 318, get one for a small block. You will be happier with it than trying to make a big block carb work. This will limit you to 73-74 340/360 carbs but you will have much better luck with one of those. Get a rebuild kit, they are not tough to rebuild. They can be tricky to tune however.
Posted By: twinscrew698

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/03/12 12:01 PM

Believe me when i tell ya this!
But after paying shipping back and forth and getting Carbs that simply do not work,I wished i would just bought one and been done with it knowing that it works is worth the money to me in my own opinion!
Ask me how i know!
Luckily when Demonsizzler was doing carbs he stood by his work was easy to get a hold of and all i had to do was pay shipping one way because i did not have the extra money to buy a Fuel bowl, i just had him fix it and sent him another bowl to rebuild it finally got one that was not cracked!
I am in the same boat for money but knowing i can get a Quality Thermoquad Rebuilt and tested is worth the extra money for me without all of that hassle of back and forth shipping and doing w/o a Carb for that long!
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/03/12 01:35 PM

I would say the above post is conditional.

If you like to work on your stuff, the problems you here about with TQs are not big issues at all and you will find them easier to work on than people claim.

If you like the hobby but dont really want to understand the system or think tearing into a carburetor would be over your head, then yes, you may be money ahead to have a guy like Scott rebuild and set it up for you.

The intial evaluation of the carb as it comes apart will tell you a lot. Is it missing any parts you dont have, is it seized, etc.
Posted By: twinscrew698

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/04/12 10:47 AM

Quote:

I would say the above post is conditional.

If you like to work on your stuff, the problems you here about with TQs are not big issues at all and you will find them easier to work on than people claim.

If you like the hobby but dont really want to understand the system or think tearing into a carburetor would be over your head, then yes, you may be money ahead to have a guy like Scott rebuild and set it up for you.

The intial evaluation of the carb as it comes apart will tell you a lot. Is it missing any parts you dont have, is it seized, etc.



I agree!I have taken my Thermoquad apart many of times and have no problem of doing it again,thats how we learn!
It was a lot less complicated than i thought once i got in to it!
Posted By: gomangoRTSE

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/04/12 03:05 PM

In the fall of 1973, I was 16 and my parents bought me a new 360 Duster. Im not sure which series carb came on that model, but even today I have kept it because a very very good carburator man who was absolutely top notch on Quadrajets etc rebuilt it for me to run with a purple cam and 4:10 rear end. To this day I have kept that carb because it never bogged on me, and the kick in was phenomenal. I have used a few Holleys since then but never have I had a carb since then that was so low maintenance and responsive.

Would someone chime in on which series this is? In any case, all these years later after years of racing up until my late 20s, I never had such a responsive carb. 800 or 850cfm? I dont remember anymore. What it be appropriate enough for a warm .060 440 motor with a 3:55 rear end with a cam just under 500 lift.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/04/12 03:13 PM

The 6000 series carbs were used from 1972 through 1974, the 9000 series followed them.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/04/12 06:12 PM

There is an after market 9000 series. 9801-9800's.

Keep in mind our resident "mileage master" used a 850 sized TQ on his 318. I forget what model it was. (Maybe a 400HP carb?)

The one you showed on Ebay is a carb with an altitude compensator.

I own 30 TQ cores. All of them will require the primary throttle shaft to be bushed. Unless you have to tools to do it? You might have to hire someone to do that.

If anyone needs to get one of Doc's air door tools I can try contacting him. I have his number and email.
Posted By: MY340

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/05/12 12:20 AM

Quote:

Don't waste your time or money on a 9000 series. Get a 6000 series. End of discussion. Period.

Also, since you're putting on one a 318, get one for a small block. You will be happier with it than trying to make a big block carb work. This will limit you to 73-74 340/360 carbs but you will have much better luck with one of those. Get a rebuild kit, they are not tough to rebuild. They can be tricky to tune however.



Some of the early 9000 series carbs from around 1974 are also good carbs and were used on 440 cars/trucks. I used a tweaked 9013 or 9014 850cfm TQ on my built 340 motor.

If you could find a 9800 series electric choke aftermarket TQ carb that would be the best carb for your 318 imho but they are hard to find. They were jetted fairly lean so tuning it would be pretty easy for your 318.
Posted By: Diplomat360

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/05/12 06:06 PM

I'd recommend the 9800 series carb...couple of the guys already mentioned them.

Look around and you'll find one. The nice thing about them is the electric choke, which means the sky's the limit now as far as intakes go, you simply take the choke with your carb and no worries about having the proper linkage to the intake choke well, etc. etc.

The 98xx series also has some performance appropriate changes (such as idle air-by pass passages) which may help...this of course depends on the cam/setup you are running. My 9800 has been OK, I still do not have enough run-time on it to tell though...running with a 238/244 cam so idle is a bit of an issue, although regulating the fuel pressure may have cured my problem (but that's another thread altogether...LOL).
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/05/12 09:42 PM

Quote:

I'd recommend the 9800 series carb...couple of the guys already mentioned them.

Look around and you'll find one. The nice thing about them is the electric choke, which means the sky's the limit now as far as intakes go, you simply take the choke with your carb and no worries about having the proper linkage to the intake choke well, etc. etc.

The 98xx series also has some performance appropriate changes (such as idle air-by pass passages) which may help...this of course depends on the cam/setup you are running. My 9800 has been OK, I still do not have enough run-time on it to tell though...running with a 238/244 cam so idle is a bit of an issue, although regulating the fuel pressure may have cured my problem (but that's another thread altogether...LOL).



How tunable are they versus other TQs? If I can't tune the primary tree half of the point of it is out the window for me already.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/06/12 06:00 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I'd recommend the 9800 series carb...couple of the guys already mentioned them.

Look around and you'll find one. The nice thing about them is the electric choke, which means the sky's the limit now as far as intakes go, you simply take the choke with your carb and no worries about having the proper linkage to the intake choke well, etc. etc.

The 98xx series also has some performance appropriate changes (such as idle air-by pass passages) which may help...this of course depends on the cam/setup you are running. My 9800 has been OK, I still do not have enough run-time on it to tell though...running with a 238/244 cam so idle is a bit of an issue, although regulating the fuel pressure may have cured my problem (but that's another thread altogether...LOL).



How tunable are they versus other TQs? If I can't tune the primary tree half of the point of it is out the window for me already.



Same as all the 72 and newer. Just you get the bonus of an electric choke. I know a guy in Washington or Oregon that is trying to sell a 460 Ford TQ with electric choke. Slap a Mopar throttle bracket on it.
Posted By: MY340

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/06/12 06:01 PM

I picked up a 9800 series GM linkage TQ one time when I was rebuilding TQ carbs. Ground the throttle shaft to get the GM linkage arm off and tackwelded a Mopar arm on to it. You can peen them in place probably with a center punch too.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/07/12 06:25 AM

Quote:

I picked up a 9800 series GM linkage TQ one time when I was rebuilding TQ carbs. Ground the throttle shaft to get the GM linkage arm off and tackwelded a Mopar arm on to it. You can peen them in place probably with a center punch too.



Or swap primary throttle shaft. Lots of $5-10 TQ's at the swap meets. Pollution packer stuff. Chances are you will need to bush the good carb.

Another alternative is a Mopar Qjet. I have had one on my van off a '87 or so van. '85-to EFI that was stock. TQ's died in '84.
Posted By: 13ChargerR/T AWD

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/07/12 08:07 PM

Ive got a Demonsizzler TQ im just about to put on the Dart Sport 340 hopefully in the next couple weeks. Will let you know how it works out.
Posted By: 69Dartman

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 04:55 PM

I have run a 9800 on my stock 318 in my dart forever as soon as I decided I wanted to try one back about 89 or so.
Dennis and I threw a Mopar throttle shaft on the 9801 GM carb I found for 2 bucks, rebuilt it, and I ran it as is for about 15 years before it finally blew a O ring and had to be gone through again.
It is hands down the smoothest running, best MPG carb of all the carbs I've tried and I'll never run another crappy square bore AFB/AVS or Holley again.
Once you understand them they are easy to work on and tune, most people just don't have clue about them and stick with old tech because it's easy to deal with and looks normal.
The metering rod tree can be adjusted to get everything just right as long as you are careful and don't go to far as the step up rod can get jammed on the step up cam inside the next time you hit WOT(don't ask me how I know)
I also have around 30 complete carbs and lots of parts, even finally found a strip kit though I had enough parts to change jets and metering rods on my own, which I have.
The 9800 I had ran 95 jets, which I dropped to 92, but now I'm running 95 with bigger rods as it was hard to get rods small enough to make the extra lean jets work.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 05:28 PM

Quote:


The 9800 I had ran 95 jets, which I dropped to 92, but now I'm running 95 with bigger rods as it was hard to get rods small enough to make the extra lean jets work.



Ethanol will run leaner than regular gas. Yuou usually need to jet up 10% for E10.
Posted By: 69Dartman

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 05:57 PM

Yeah, been through that before and have done it. The Dart also looses about a mile per gallon or more for the E-10 crap, and my Neon probably looses about 2mpg. It did run just fine with the 92's and the smallest rods I could find but figured it was a bit too far to one side as the 95's give me more room to adjust either way and I can run easier to find rod sizes to get it just right.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 06:43 PM

One thing I used to do was buy any TQ I found at a swap meet. After tweeking my air door spring! I started to remove the rods and drop them into my Strip kit. Some of those rods were fat! As in large diameter that would lean out the carb.
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 10:32 PM

Quote:

One thing I used to do was buy any TQ I found at a swap meet. After tweeking my air door spring! I started to remove the rods and drop them into my Strip kit. Some of those rods were fat! As in large diameter that would lean out the carb.



This.

69Dartman, I agree. My old man got me started on them and Ill never go back either.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/08/12 10:42 PM

I had had enough of the junk factory Holley on my 70 Bee. (1977) I bought a Street Dominator and tried to get a 9801 TQ new from the local speed shop. They had sold all their stock and we were waiting on a new production run. At the time Summit was selling new "750cfm" TQ's for less than $100. I bought a 9626 625cfm AFB. Should have bought from Summit. The AFB was fine. Got better mileage than the Holley.
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/11/12 06:58 PM

A good-looking 9372S just popped up on Craigslist for $50.

What would I need to do to make this work on my car? I don't know what the weird box on the side is for. Supposedly it has hookups for an O2 sensor as well as a bowl vent valve.
http://images.craigslist.org/5Q25Eb5J23Fb3J93Hdc78e780f50c55c816a9.jpg
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/11/12 11:53 PM

Honestly youll proably have the best luck with the grungiest greasest carb you can find, because that means it ran the longest. As long as the carb is not oxides horribly the looks dont matter.

DONT BUY THAT CARB, you will be frustrated with it unless your just collecting it for parts.

what does matter is NO POLLUTION EQUIPMENT. The less extra plumbing the less fits you will have making it work right. If you have to and you are serious about the TQ pay the extra 25-50 for a none pollution carb. Im sure someone will sell you one if nothing else.

Hell, Im heading up to Iola, WI swap meet tomorrow, Ill look for one for you.
Posted By: Secret Chimp

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 01:25 AM

Quote:

Honestly youll proably have the best luck with the grungiest greasest carb you can find, because that means it ran the longest. As long as the carb is not oxides horribly the looks dont matter.

DONT BUY THAT CARB, you will be frustrated with it unless your just collecting it for parts.

what does matter is NO POLLUTION EQUIPMENT. The less extra plumbing the less fits you will have making it work right. If you have to and you are serious about the TQ pay the extra 25-50 for a none pollution carb. Im sure someone will sell you one if nothing else.

Hell, Im heading up to Iola, WI swap meet tomorrow, Ill look for one for you.



I'd appreciate it, western Washington isn't the best for Mopar parts in general.
Posted By: Dan Halen

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 01:37 AM

Here's some good TQ info...........

http://www.carbkitsource.com/carbs/tech/Carter/pages/tqguide-Vaanth.html
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 03:08 AM

There is also a Chrysler factory training manual available on line you can down load and print. Probably a video on you toooobe.
Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 03:33 AM

Quote:

A good-looking 9372S just popped up on Craigslist for $50.



Nice $10 parts carb, tops! Any with that metal doohicky is.
Posted By: 69L78Nova

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 04:10 AM

I've got a very nice 6322S that I just pulled recently. Very good running condition. PM me if you're interested
Posted By: kilroy

Re: Which Thermoquad? - 07/12/12 04:15 AM

Quote:

I've got a very nice 6322S that I just pulled recently. Very good running condition. PM me if you're interested



Would be a good carb.

Also, these videos are pretty good on utube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzNhCLg9veg&feature=player_detailpage

A good rebuild instruction also are plenty good, just as long as you understand carbs a little.
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