The old TO bearings had a groove for grease. The replacements barely have anything. My guess is that the groove is for extra lube for the TO bearing.
old on L side
After breaking 1 spring in my roller 1970 LT1, I changed them all to the same Lunati part no using the twist tool. I’d like to get the tool that screws into the stud and has a 1 arm bandit but the reviews suck.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66784
What I used along with compressed air...
Back in the 70’s a guys ‘73 Z28 was rigged with a pull system, but what was being pulled was a 1/4” metal pin that slid in front of the upper hood claw somehow.
In ‘75 I purchased a 71 Z28 which came with hood pins and people would steal the pins. So I used suitcase mini locks. I would not butcher a hood today.
The choke flap being nearly closed when cold simply richens your fuel mixture for a cold engine and especially in cold weather. Once it reaches a certain temp, you hit the gas pedal and the choke flap will remain open for normal driving. If you live in a hot climate you can tie the choke flap...