So I had a thought pop in my head on how I could still test the carbon filter, even though it didn't fit the bottom of the GVG.  I cut a strip of paper and wet it down.  Then I wrapped the paper around the male joint of the carbon filter.  It fit right in the GVG and stuck good.

I loaded the carbon filter with some blue lotus and took the torch to the GVG ceramic.  Vapor!  If there is any difference, it's that the vapor is cooler.  I feel pretty good about this working out just like I hoped it would.