[MaSnaka]

Hi Matt,
I use the silicone spray and lube the external moving parts on the carb with it on occasion, really not very often.

Air cleaner and choke horn- choke horn is the shroud surrounding the choke plates on the top of the carb. Rises about 1 1/2" above the carb opening. Some air cleaners being low profile to fit under the cobra hood, the inside of the air cleaner top is either making contact with the choke horn or very close to it. This can restrict air flow into the carb as you approach wot when the engine is sucking in the most air.

Do you have a phenolic spacer between the carb and the intake manifold? This insulates the carb from heat which might be causing some deflection in your linkages. I have only heard of them being used to prevent the fuel from boiling in the carb but maybe.

John