On the 2176 intake the dedicated port is right close to the head on intake runner #8
When you release power brakes it causes the #8 cylinder to go lean and miss for a second, and I don't like that at all.:D
With it connected at the carb base it spreads that momentary extra air over all 8 cylinders and you don't get that miss on one.
I would feel different about it if the port was at least more centered in the intake.