have just completed engine mods: replaced inlet manifold with a stude four barrel and fitted with a brand new edelbrock 1404 500cfm four barrel, on an Australian "Redline" competition spacer/adapter. Replaced the original oil bath type air cleaner with a large after market paper filter. Matched to a high lift cam that I sneaked in a while back, I have to report that the performance is now quite staggering for a small cube v8.
(And the boom through the glass packs when the secondaries open and kick in was worth the investment alone!
We solved the lack of carb clearance with the hood by using an aftermarket 14 inch base and slim air filter cartridge, and re-used the original air bath air cleaner top which has an indent at the back to clear the hood rib that passes behind it. The factory top also radiates downward in a curve, clearing the hood. When fastened down, the air cleaner top seals with the cartridge, but has plenty of space around the sides for air to enter the filter area. Its all very slim.
