Shelby Drop Concern

19stang66

Member
Apr 16, 2003
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Hey,
I have a concern with doing the shelby drop. If I happen to be a little off with my template transfer measurements will it have an affect on anything? I printed off a template and transferred it onto a piece of metal. I really just don't want to screw this up. If I do screw it up somehow can I just bolt the upper arm back into the original holes and just leave the new ones as is? Thanks.
 
depends on what you consider "a little off". if that means 1/4" then you might have a problem depending on where that 1/4" is. if you mean 1/32", then no you dont have a problem.

oh and yes, if you have things really screwed up you can reinstall the arms in the original holes.
 
The suspension and even the frame of these early cars are not that accurately built. Even today with modern cars all the suspension parts are not that accurate. Therefore they are built with shims and adjustments so that they can be aligned.

I agree with rbohm regarding the accuracy required. You do want to get the holes as accurate as you can just to be safe, but it's surely something most people can do in their driveways.

I believe that if you are careful and take your time you will not have a problem getting the holes placed accurately enough. If you are really concerned, buy a metal template or have a local machine shop make you one. The template will help you locate the new holes.
 
I finished drilling the holes today! Had to go buy a $20 1/2" drill bit because my brand new one that has never been used before didn't do crap. The upper arms fit perfectly into the holes. I'll post a pic tomorrow. Need sleepy for 2-a-days football prac.
 
Im a little late here, but make sure you have the correct template.
65/66 use one template
and 67/68 use a different template.

For future 'Shelby Drop' people, you can order solid template made from plexiglass from Global West (maybe TCP too) it makes it allot easier. Also when someone emails or faxes a template to you on paper, sometimes it shrinks , they should have a scale printed on it to check accuracy.
 
ahhh i'll have to go check, just got home from prac. Where is the choke on the carb. i haven't had very much engine experience since my first car was a fricken rust bucket. I probably know once I see it.
 
What happened to your linkage?

attachment.php
 
This is what summit says about your carb. It is a vacuum secondary and not a double pumper.

HLY-0-80457S
Brand: Holley
Product Line: Holley Model 4160 Non-Adjustable Float Carburetors
Number of Barrels: 4
Carburetor Flange: Square bore
Choke: Electric
Fuel: Gasoline
Secondary Type: Vacuum
New or Remanufactured: New
Fuel Inlet: Single
CFM: 600
Carburetor Finish: Silver
Ford Kickdown: Yes
Throttle Linkage Type: Universal
Notes: New non-adjustable needle and seat float.

Carburetor, Replacement, 600 cfm, Square Bore, 4-Barrel, Electric Choke, Single Inlet, Silver, Ford, Each

Check to make sure this part fits your application
Superior performance and drivability in a "Bolt on and Go" performance package.
Here at last from Holley are the new and improved 4160 model 4-barrel carburetors. These carburetors are equipped with Holley's all-new Tru-Set needle and seats, which have eliminated the need for external adjustments. This change allows for easier "Bolt on and Go" performance. The floats have been factory-set for optimum fuel levels at 3 to 6 psi of fuel pressure, and should never need adjustment. If running over 6 psi of fuel, a fuel regulator is required. These carburetors also include a new, refined appearance on their float bowls, main bodies, and vacuum secondary caps. Along with having upgraded choke caps for smoother engine warmup and better cold drivability, these carbs are also the perfect upgrade for any ride.
 
The linkage did not have the S bend in it from the factory, I doubt it will break anything but it looks odd. They came with two 90 degree bends, but it looks like someone changed those to about 120 degree bends, probably to shorten the shaft. But the back of the rod is threaded for such circumstances.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, just looked odd to me.
 
Edbert said:
The linkage did not have the S bend in it from the factory, I doubt it will break anything but it looks odd. They came with two 90 degree bends, but it looks like someone changed those to about 120 degree bends, probably to shorten the shaft. But the back of the rod is threaded for such circumstances.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, just looked odd to me.

Nothing wrong with the bend.

It is often done when a Holley carb is added. If it was not bent (thereby shortening the linkage rod), the secondaries will not fully open.

Just cover it with a nice air cleaner and no one will know.