I am installing a stock intake manifold (ECZ-9425-B) on my 292 Y Block. I have an Edelbrock Thunder Series 500 carb with electric choke. There is a tube running from one side of the manifold to the other. It runs thru the bottom inside of the manifold and has a small dish fitting on one side hooked to the tube. There is nothing on the side it exits (opposite side of the manifold) except the open end of the tube flush with the manifold. This is located in approximately the center of the manifold. I assume this has something to do with operation of a manual choke. If I have no need for it, can I remove the dish fitting on one side and plug the holes on both sides?  When I removed the manifold, I also noticed a variety of flat washers and lock washers holding both the intake and exhaust manifolds to the engine. Were the original manifolds held on with lock washers, flat washers, or a combination?  Thanks for any information provided.

Darrell Howard Whitefish, MT Outlaw 56 Ford F-100's