So my 350 swap is almost done, and it seems it is time for me to decide what to do with the hood. I think I need another...5 inches at least for the air cleaner on the carb to not hit. I have been told to just leave it exposed for looks and cheapness. However, without another vehicle, I will have to drive it in all weather conditions.

Do you guys think I should go with a scoop, no scoop, or maybe a cowl?

 

The 350 should not make any difference - externally the same as your 305 in dimensions. What are you using for an intake? Even a Performer Air Gap RPM fits under a stock hood. You just have to get the right air cleaner housing, and NOT use a 3 inch filter but a 2 inch filter.

 

I have an Edelbrock bowtie Jr. II intake on there plus a Holley carb. I dunno the size of the air cleaner, just that it's big.

 

I would spend your money on a good air cleaner that will fit under the hood, they make plenty of drop base air cleaners. I swapped my 350TPI to a carbed 350 and Im glad I got the SS hood otherwise mine wouldnt have fit. Im using a knock off edelbrock performer RPM intake and holley 750dp and with the air cleaner on it fits perfectly under my SS hood (2-1/2 cowl)

 

I would get a different air cleaner. I have a Victor Jr. with a Demon carb and a 3" drop base filter all under a stock hood.

And if you cant get it under a stock hood no matter what, I would not leave it exposed. I would get a cowl hood.

 

I run a Spectre 9 in cleaner, with a 2 inch filter.

The 14's always rub the distributor wires.
The drop bases - by the time they drop enough for the hood clearance, then you have linkage issues so you have to use a 1/2 inch spacer, and when you look inside, you only ever really get about 3/4 inch air flow.

But my smaller 9inch cleaner is not drop base, so I don't need a spacer, and a 2 inch filter fits fine under a stock hood, so I end up with more air flow space (a full 2 inches) over a drop base, and being omly 9 inches it looks good, can see my motor, and no plug wire issues at the distributor.

This Spectre cleaner I speak of is on the shelf at Autozone for $30, including the 2 inch rechargeable filter (gets cleaned/oiled like a K&N).

 

Man my Quickfuel must be taller than your demon I have the same intake and I cant get anything to fit.

 

Both are based off of Holley's so I would assume they are the same. I'm using a Proform drop base filter. It is a pretty good drop. It barely clears, but it does. Although I will say that I have a tubular K-member and solid motor mounts. These things may or may not move the motor down a little. I really dont know.

 

Everytime I have bought something from Autozone, it was defective or it caught on fire. I know of the specter brand you speak of, though.

Here is what I'm looking at for clearance.

 

Yep - if that base is not a drop base, you'll need a drop base (if sticking with a 14 size), and you'll need a 2in filter instead of 3in.

Yep - I understand Autozone doesn't always sell the best parts in the world, but that Spectre cleaner assembly happened to be a decent little piece for $30.

Here's a peek under my hood:

 

That's a tiny little air cleaner :P I'm kinda starting to gain appeal towards having the air cleaner pop out, to add some flair to my car.

I dunno much about carbs, what is a drop base? Is it a smaller version of that black plastic ring the air cleaner sits on?

On a side note, is that the stock 350 for the Firebirds? I see your heater core hose goes to your radiator. I had to plug mine up because both hoses go to my block on this motor.