Did all the 66 SS Holley Choke Plates have the two little cut-outs that look like a little cross? Or did it depend upon the list number, like 3139, 3140, or 3419? Or was the time of the year a consideration, like prior to October of 65 or after March of 66? Thanks.

Looked over my CD from Mike, and it shows a 3419 with the cross cut-outs; But doesn't mention if this is specific to or correct for the 3419 or other 66-7 carbs or if dates indicate a change. Anyone have an opinion.

I was under the inpression that only the 3419 360 hp. carbs had the jesus crosses. Jeff from dated componets may chime in on this. He would know.

Frank
66SS396
68SS396elky

Interesting topic. In replacing the incorrect 3310, I purchased (for parts) a '66 360hp Holley (can't recall list#,but was for an automatic) and a correct dated coded 3419 for my #'s 66 SS 360hp / manual trans. The 3419 had the crosses being discussed and the automatic Holley did not. To me the crosses looked like an aftermarket plate so I put the automatic plate onto my 3419. Based on what we learn here I might be putting the crosses plate back onto the 3419. The crosses must be the same as drilling two 1/8" holes in the plate to help running at idle.

I have a 3419 that I think is all original; but it's a service carb dated 1969 with no crosses. Also have a couple of 3140 66 dated carbs that I think the choke plates are original; but no crosses. Have seen both 3139 and 3419 carbs for sale on ebay with the crosses. Again it could be a dated thing. With choke off, what would the holes do? With choke on, wouldn't it provide more air to the mixture. About the only thing I see different in the carbs 3139, 3140, and 3419 is the size of the jets. Or is there something else?

:FWIW, I have a small collection of these carburetors. Here are my numbers:
Model, date, crosses?, notes
3139, 5A5, has crosses, restored carburetor (don't know history)
3139, 502, has crosses, original core
3139, 641, no crosses, original core
3139, 0153, has crosses, service dated
3140, 653, no crosses, rebuilt 20 years ago
3140, 564, plate missing, original core
I don't rely much on restored pieces if I don't know their history, but based on this small sample of original unrestored carburetors, it would look like carburetors built in calendar year 1965 had the crosses and those built in calendar year 1966 did not. Service carburetors are a different story. Your 69 carb has no crosses, and my 70 carburetor has crosses.

Let me sneek in this plug for an auction I have running. Seems related to the subject. :D
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250226526468&rd=1

Here is what I have:

3140-1 dated 554; has no crosses, unrestored, choke plate appears original, ES stamped on left side of air horn. What does this mean?
3140-1 dated 572: has no crosses, unrestored,choke plate appears original. ES stamped on left side of air horn

3419 dated 974; has no crosses, unrestored, choke plate appears original, No ES stamp on left side of horn.

From photo's and ebay sales havenot seen 3140's with crosses; But I have seen 3139's and 3419's dated 65 with crosses.

Ah, so your 66 dated carburetors were actually built in 65. That throws my speculation out the window. The ES is the broadcast code that should be found on original equipment carbs so the assembly worker would install the correct part. The broadcast code follows the GM part number. 3140s were coded ES and 3139s were coded ER. Original (not service dated) 3419s should have a different broadcast code. http://i20.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/e0/64/9415_12.JPG

New theory. Maybe 3140s never had crosses so my original speculation could still apply to 3139s. Or maybe all 3139s should have them? Maybe carbs for auto trans cars should not have them and manual transmission carbs should have them?

Anyone else have some of these carburetors?

Just looked at my 3419, it does have the code EJ; but it is located after the part number. The ES on the two 3140's is located on the left side of the air horn not after the part #.

What I am thinking is similar to yours. Automatics did NOT have the crosses. Manual transmissions for both 325HP & 360HP HAD the crosses.

Since my 3419 is dated 1969, the choke flap crosses were discontinued at that time.

Then you have the K-19 carbs and the 375HP carbs.