Production of the BBD began in the 1952 model year, appearing first on DeSoto Hemi engines. This model used a special large mounting flange and a water heated base and was only made until 1954.
Early Carter BBD with integral choke (1955-up style)
The 1955-1973 Carter BBD was an "air bled" design. This refers to air bleeds in the main circuit. After 1974, the "solid fuel" design, which did not have air bleeds, was produced. Early carbs (like the one shown above) were externally vented and did not use a charcoal canister. Up until 1958, all BBDs were the 1-1/4" (nominal) throttle bore size, which used the same flange as Rochester 2G and Stromberg WW carbs, which has 1-7/8” X 3-1/4” mounting bolt centers.
The 1950s Carter BBD shown above has an integral choke in which the choke coil is mounted on the side of the carburetor. These chokes were connected to a hot air tube which drew heat from the exhaust to heat the choke thermostat. Later models used a remote (or crossover) choke mounted on the manifold.
Carter BBD (large 1 1/2" bore) - 1963 Chrysler 383
Large bore BBDs were produced from 1959 to 1971 and were used on early 360, 361 and 383 CID engines. These had the same flange as large bore Rochester 2G carbs with 2" X 3-11/16"mounting bolt centers. The big and small BBDs don't share any major parts. The large bore carbs take kit CK4072.
Carter BBD (small 1 1/4" bore) - 1968 Dodge
Later 1960s models used an external choke pull off and a manifold mounted choke thermostat. 1960s models with a flat stem pump and remote choke use kit CK4021.
Emissions models were introduced in about 1970. These switched to a round stem pump and have a connection for a hose going to the charcoal canister from the top of the float bowl. This type uses our kit CK4071.
Carter BBD - late 70's 318 CID
The "solid fuel" BBD carbs can generally be distinguished by the flat steel cover on the top of float bowl. The Mopar version takes kit CK4272 and the AMC/Jeep version (used on 258 CID 6 cylinder engines) uses kit CK4233. Starting in 1981, feedback (computer controlled) versions were built for both Chrysler Corp and American Motors, but these use the same kits as the non-feedback versions.