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By RJ Palmer - 8 Years Ago
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Gentlemen, just converted my standard shift 57 tbird to a fordomatic tranny. Question is what linkage is required for this setup. I have a 312 inch y-block with a holley 390 cfm 4-barrel. I have the correct fordomatic bellcrank but not sure about the rest. Talked to a Holley rep and he said I needed some kickdown hardware which I have ordered from Holley. P/N 20-91 and P/N 20-41. I do have the kickdown rod from the bellcrank to the transmission. I do not have the dashpot---would like to know if I need that part, as I'm not sure what that device does. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated Thanks, Dick Palmer
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By Talkwrench - 8 Years Ago
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 No the linkage should just about go straight on [Holley] , perhaps some small adjustment required. Just make sure when at open throttle the linkage clears the back of the manifold, you'll see it nearly touches. That rod to the trans is not a kick down its a sensing rod and must be adjusted correctly. Someone should put up a diagram to show adjustment. Attached is a shot of a linkage I made to an Edelbrock, Gives you an idea
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
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I think the Holley Rep gave You incorrect information. If You already have the correct Bellcrank and the Link to the Transmission pressure control Lever all You need to do is fabricate a Link from Bellcrank to Carburetor. The Parts He recommended are used on later Model Fords. The Dashpot was installed originally to slow the Throttle return to prevent Stalling. You don't need it with the new 390 CFM Carb, I have the same Carb on my 56 and don't have any problems. Also an Automatic.. I have a Fordomatic Manual which explains how to properly setup and adjust the throttle Linkage and Pressure control rod to Transmission. I will post Pics in AM.
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By RJ Palmer - 8 Years Ago
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Thanks very much...do appreciate your help/advice..I'll keep you posted as I progress..
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
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Couple of Pictures showing proper procedure for adjusting Linkage. The recommended adjustment for the Link down to Transmission Pressure Control Lever is 3 Turns long as shown in Information. Lengthening the Rod raises shift Point. Maximum Length is 3 1/2 Turns. 
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By RJ Palmer - 8 Years Ago
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Got it! Thanks very much for your good advice. I see what you are saying about the throttle rod adjustment. Hope to put everything back together this weekend and then time for road test and fine tune. Again thanks very much...Dick Palmer
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
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Hope its enough Info to get You going. If anyone is looking for an original Fordomatic Service Manual I have several 56-57 available to Purchase. I accept Paypal..
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By paul2748 - 8 Years Ago
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 Here is waht the whole thing looks like
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By GREENBIRD56 - 8 Years Ago
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This linkage is sometimes a lot of trouble to sort out. Mostly due to the differing arcs of motion of the various linkage parts - and the "lost motion" slot for the kickdown function. I made this diagram to understand how it worked on my Thunderbird - the sedans and other vehicles vary a bit:
The lost motion slot in the Ford kickdown is "timed" to the position of the throttle with the carb at idle - by use of a 1/4" shank Phillips screwdriver inserted as shown below:
The springs for the kickdown feature must be stiffer than the carb throttle return. This makes the engine go to full throttle before travel starts in the slot. It makes things sequence as the floor pedal is depressed - so there must be enough room under it to reach full throttle before it reaches the floor. Then the overtravel in the kickdown keeps moving the trans lever to the point of initiating the downshift. So..... in the Ford books there is a recommended space under the pedal when it is fully released to idle. When you change carbs - and put a sensible throttle return spring on it - the result is often an imbalance with the kickdown slot spring. It takes some fooling around with the spring ratios to get this to work out. On my outfit - I ended up needing a "stop" for the bellcrank to get a consistent pedal position.
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By RJ Palmer - 8 Years Ago
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Thanks Steve, I'm curious,,,,is that throttle rod which goes from point C to point A on your diagram a purchase or did you fabricate that rod? Dick Palmer
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By GREENBIRD56 - 8 Years Ago
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Ball stud link I got from Speedway in Nebraska - then bent / threaded to match the Ford link. I also re-drilled the Holley throttle link to put the ball stud exactly where I wanted it.
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