The "small block" carburetor orientation was always the same as the pictures Dan posted above. "Ford" did not use the FE style linkage on them.
The purpose of milling off the air horn or choke housing was to reduce air flow restriction on a race only carburetor. With an "air box" or short air cleaner element , the air is restricted a bit with the full height air horn. "Most" racing carburetors are modified like this today. There is no real benefit on a "street" performance application. Same for mechanical secondaries.
Randy