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By RossL - 3 Weeks Ago
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I have a 55 Tbird with auto trans. I have a 57 intake manifold. I will use an Edelbrock carb. Can I retain the stock linkage and fabricate the arm from the bell crank to the carb?
Does anyone have any pictures of what they used for linkage?
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By paul2748 - 2 Weeks Ago
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I don't see why you cannot use the stock linkage although not familiar with the 55 linkage. It would seem that the only thing you may have to change is the rod going to the carb. I remember from another person who made a similar change that the height of the spot where the linkage bolts to the intake is different than a 55/56. If it is shorter, you may have to add a spacer.
If there is a problem with the 55 linkage, you may have to go with a 56/57 setup
The only other problem that you may encounter ( I don't know) is a different bolt pattern on the 57 manifold for the linkage to bolt to. In that case, aftermarket or 56/57 linkage or an adapter made will be needed
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By RossL - 2 Weeks Ago
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I have a 57 B manifold. I thought the bolt pattern for the bell crank looked (just eye balled it) a little different than the 55. Hopefully I can modify the holes to match the manifold. I am having the manifold blasted and opening up the intake flange, so I don't have it here to check
If I can retain the existing linkage I may be able to use the stock rod (see picture). OR just replace the rod that connects to the carb, with a threaded rod. What is the purpose of the spring loaded rod that connects to the carb? The spring expands when it gets to the end end of travel.
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By KULTULZ - 2 Weeks Ago
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The most important detail is going to be proper FM TV LINKAGE geometry.
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By paul2748 - 2 Weeks Ago
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I never could see the reason for the spring loaded piece. Some one here might know. It was dropped for 56 and 57.
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By FORD DEARBORN - 2 Weeks Ago
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This is just a guess but I think it allows further travel of the kick-down linkage beyond wide open throttle for the passing gear down shift or the overdrive kick down switch which ever may be appliable.
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By DANIEL TINDER - 2 Weeks Ago
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Maybe also to absorb the shock wear of aggressive drivers frequently mashing the carb/linkage mechanism so forcefully to its furthest extent (?)
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By RossL - 3 days ago
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FORD DEARBORN (8/4/2026)
This is just a guess but I think it allows further travel of the kick-down linkage beyond wide open throttle for the passing gear down shift or the overdrive kick down switch which ever may be appliable.
When I floor the car I can feel the extra movement required to move the kick-down is coming from this device
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By RossL - 3 days ago
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FORD DEARBORN (8/4/2026)
This is just a guess but I think it allows further travel of the kick-down linkage beyond wide open throttle for the passing gear down shift or the overdrive kick down switch which ever may be appliable.
When I floor the car I can feel the extra movement required to move the kick-down is coming from this device
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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Have someone operate the throttle linkage (engine off) and see what the rod (spring) does.
The MPC calls for this rod for both ST and AT.
 I have a 1955 FORD-BIRD WSM tucked away somewhere in my COBWEB CORNER.
Let me hobble down and look through it.
I had a 55 BIRD, but that was in 1970
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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You might want to read this -
While the Edelbrock carb is overall a great carb, the problem with our early birds is that the stock ( oh sobeautiful) air cleaner will not fit with the Edelbrock carb. It’s too high. there is a company that is manufacturing a replacement intake $$$$$$ manifold that allows clearance but IMO just stick with a replacement Holley and have it professionally tuned once on the engine. That’s the route I went and have no regrets. Starts and runs like new and 14+ MPG.
EDIT - 22 AUG
EDEL 1404 FUEL INLET POSITION
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