1966 GTO 3x2 A.I.R.

[60sStuff]

This unit is a one year, one model GTO with Tri-Carb and a manual transmission.
Only 1550 ‘66 GTO’s were built with code #616 / WV option. These were a California sold New vehicle.

I found this scarce 3x2 at a swap meet roughly 40 years ago from an older gentleman that said he had it stored in his garage for many years.

Aside from all the plumbing, molded hoses, special air cleaners and the separate air cleaner for the smog pump this unit also required a different center carburetor that has a ported vacuum. A small steel line comes off the RH side of the center carb “above” the throttle plate.
Another unique item is the fragile opaque plastic 4 way connector #9784771 used only on this ‘66 A.I.R. system.

[60sStuff]

More unique items on this one application 3x2 system.

Flat round bronze flame arrester screens were installed on the three air cleaner bases to reduce the possibility of flames from backfires on these units.

The factory correct carb tags are still in place on this 3x2.

The ‘66 A.I.R. GTO could be built at any of the 5 plants, but the vast majority were built at the Fremont, Ca. plant.
The Fremont built cars utilized full steel fuel lines on the carbs including the cool wrap around line on the front carb.
These fuel lines were a Bundyweld construction and most of the 58 year old lines have the copper showing through from age.
The other plants used aluminum lines with a rubber hose around the front carb.

Last photo shows a restored ‘66 A.I.R. GTO with aluminum fuel lines.
This car unfortunately has the RH valve cover on backwards.

[Steve Shauger]

Wow thanks for sharing such a wealth of detailed information with our members. Great stuff!