66 gto 389 Tri-Power

[bob1966]

Need some input for my 66 GTO Tri-Power, I like to try running on just the center Carb. Can I do that? What would be the best way to do that? I want to be able to hook them back up with out to much trouble.
Gas milage NG. 10 to 12 miles per gallon. If I drive normal I get 14 or 15 mpg.
Can't drive normal with a GTO.
Any help,
Thanks,
bob1966

[Larry]

When I was running a '66 tri-power, I found the best way to run on just the center carb was to keep your foot off of the go pedal. But what fun is that? Additionally, I found that if I went a long time not activating the front and rear carbs, it was a possibility of a stuck float (due to lack of use). I used to carry a big plastic handled screwdriver under the front seat to get out and whack the carb bowls. Many a fire has happened with tri-power stuck floats.

My linkage was all mechanical (original or not, I do not know). It might be easy enough to adjust (lengthen) linkage so it never engages the front and rear throttles. However, you will still be running around with carbs full of fuel that isn't being used. If you have any sections of hose going to the front and rear carbs, I would just stick a bolt into the lines and reconnect them. If so, you seriously need to keep the linkage from engaging or you'll suck way too much air if you decide to accelerate much.

If you really wanted to get fancy, remove the throttle butterflies, put a solid plate between the carb bases and manifold. Then dummy off the fuel lines. If you have solid tubes, that might get tricky because you seriously don't want fuel going into dead carbs.

[bob1966]

Hi Larry, I was thinking along those lines. I kind of figured I'd be looking for trouble. Thanks for confirming that for me. Always like a second opinion. I guess i'll adjust the linkage and my foot pressure.
Thanks Again,
bob1966