You might want to read this - 

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Installed manifold and new carb this week.
 
I used 3/16" spacers under the 55 bell crank.  These were needed to clear the "B" manifold



 I fabricated a link (copied from Joe Johnson)  to eliminate the spring linkage, I now can confirm the spring linkage is needed to engage the kick down.




Because the Edelbrck is a wider carb I had to build out the rear fastener to use the Spring

For now I am using a Ford look alive 2" drop base air cleaner with a 1/4" spacer.  I have about an inch of extra clearance, I might use a 1/2" spacer OR maybe I will source a 57 air cleaner..................
Right now I am in the process of dialing in the carb.  Ni I am not driving around with Play Dough under the hood LOL

Very nice work looks great. IMO, that aircleaner assembly looks natural....

64F100 57FAIRLANE500

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Talking with someone that knows the 55,56, 57 Tbirds...................the 57 uses a solid link, because the "spring action" is built into the bell crank.  So it (57 bell crank) uses the same"concept" but it's not really obvious.   When I used the solid link with the 55 bell crank there was not enough movement/leverage to engage the trans kick down.  That additional spring action keeps pushing the linkage when the carb is fully opened.  I can only guess they designed it this way to allow for wide open throttle without the downshift, giving you the option to stop applying pressure unless you need the acceleration/down shift. 

After learning this I had to remove and "retire" the solid link that took me hours to fabricate...............  When I installed the spring/link with the 55 bell crank my trans is now down shifting as expected

Air cleaner was $70 on ebay with a washable filter element.   I didn't want to cut up a $500 repro 57 air cleaner that might not fit under the hood even if modded

"After learning this I had to remove and "retire" the solid link that took me hours to fabricate............... 

When I installed the spring/link with the 55 bell crank my trans is now down shifting as expected."

I really appreciate your coming back to explain that. I had no idea.

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I felt the dropbase air cleaner was trapping and holding too much heat since it shrouds the top 1/3 of the carb.  I tried a 1/2" spacer and a "borrowed" 57 air cleaner but I think it's too close to the hood for comfort.  I found this air cleaner on Amazon.  The air cleaner  (sits about 1.5" taller than the drop base) 12" oval sits inside the hood scoop and I still have at least 1/4" clearance.   It sort of matches the theme of the valve covers.  My car is NOT concours spec but I wanted something that "fit visually".  I will have to wait for a hot day to see if it helps keep the carb cooler

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