3 x 2 Rochester

The triple two barrel carburetor package is new for 1959. The carburetors carry the same features as described earlier under the 2GC carburetor. Carburetor linkage and operation is the same as the 1958 late production, which used a vacuum reserve tank to operate front and rear carburetors. Carburetor calibration has been changed by the use of a trumpet style venturi cluster in the center carburetor.

4 Barrel Rochester

The air horn is revised to incorporate an integral fuel filter as discussed earlier. Chose housing is the same casting as used in 1958 but the choke linkage is new. Float setting is changed on all four bbl. carburetors, both Cater and Rochester Products.

Fig. 11 - 4GC Carburetor Idle Compensator (used with Air Conditioning)

As an aid in prevention of engine stalling during prolonged "hot idle" conditions an "Idle Compensator" (Fig. 11) is used on cars with factory-installed Air-Conditioning. Function is similar to the idle compensator described for 2GC models.

4 Barrel Carter

The air horn is revised to incorporate an integral fuel filter and the choke housing is relocated to the side of the throttle body. This necessitates a new choke housing and linkage. A new throttle lever is used, similar to Rochester Products Division 4 barrel, which will eliminate complaints of variable idle speed on automatic transmission cars. The idle stop screw now bears on the fast idle cam at all times. A spring is used on the float hanger on the secondary side to assist float buoyancy. This permits the use of a .101 dia. needle seat, instead of .093 dia., which improves hot vapor handling. It also minimizes stalling in sharp turns with closed throttle.

On Turboglide transmission cars, the throttle return check is now located on the carburetor left front mounting stud. Adjustment of the check is made by a nylock screw in the plunger shaft.

Fuel Injection

Fuel Injection is again available on the 283 cu. in. engines. Several changes have been made in the injection unit to permit its installation with the lowered vehicle hood line, and to enable use of Power Brakes and Power Steering on fuel injection equipped cars.

Air Cleaners

All V-8 engines, both basic and optional, are equipped with dry-type air cleaners.

It is recommended that the paper element be changed or tested after 15,000 miles of normal service, or more often under dusty conditions. Testers are available and can be used to determine when replacement is required. If testing indicates that the air cleaner is still satisfactory at 15,000 miles, the element need not be replaced, but it should be retested every 5000 miles thereafter.

Tapping or washing the paper element, as a means of cleaning is not recommended.

Exhaust Systems

Cars equipped with dual exhaust systems are furnished with a resonator in each exhaust line between the muffler and tail pipe for a softening of the exhaust sound. The exhaust balance tube (crossunder pipe) is eliminated.

Clutches

PASSENGER CAR

Clutches used with both the 6-cylinder and 283 cubic inch V-8 engines are carried over from 1958. A diaphragm spring semi-centrifugal type clutch replaces the coil spring clutch formerly used with the 348 cubic inch engine and manual transmissions.

Manual Transmissions

PASSENGER CARS

An optional 4-speed transmission with a floor-shift is made available on 283 cu. in. engines with Fuel Injection, or with any of the 348 cu. in. engines. This is the same transmission, with a modified shift linkage, as is offered on Corvettes. The 3-speed transmission used with the 348 cubic inch V-8 now features a wider first and reverse gear for increased durability and reduced noise.

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