When I put my 700r4 in my 53 Chevy (261) I first had a Carter AFB on it and then I put a Holley 600 cfi on it. Both Carbs had to sit sideway or turn 90 degrees to get them both to work. They both worked fine sitting sideways.
A few years back I did the same thing, took out my 5 speed for a 700r4 for the same reason.
