Jason I don't think we've agreed to an answer but at this point we're investigating and discussing the possibility it seems. Its takes a while for us to collect documentation/examples and changes to "common knowledge" take time to digest and consider.
The benefit of a site like this is the exchange and honest discussion of new findings and possibilities. Not all pass the test and don't expect all to be received quickly.
Not sure of the history of how your car got that arrangement so I think we need to see if we can find some more original/unrestored examples to compare. Not an easy task since most engine pictures are taken with the air cleaner in place.
Haha, totally understand, I just saw this and it was such a coincidence since I was literally changing it a couple days ago based on some feedback I received on my car, so it was just a question like, "so it is a possibility the way I had it"?
But obviously I agree that I've seen so many examples of the way I have it now (bracket and spring to the linkage arm as shown in the second picture) that I was sure it must be setup incorrectly the way I had it, so I changed it. Obviously the way I have it now is a safer bet and more common. But I just found it curious that it was possible the way it was setup when I received the car. And like you said, who knows what was done to it and if a mechanic at some point adjusted and moved the spring like the first picture.
Anyway, I was just confirming and making sure I understood what was being said in the thread, and it sounds like it's more a case of "the jury is still out".
Thanks as always Jeff,
Jason