I'm lookin into buying a cowl hood, because eventually I'll be throwin a new motor in, with an Edlebrock Performer RPM, a Holley double pumper, and a 3" air cleaner on top. Now this combination alone will require more clearance than a stock hood allows for, correct? Also, since I won't know until after the motor is up and running what size carb spacer would be best, I need to allow for that as well. So, with that combination and say a 2" carb spacer, what size cowl hood would I need minimum for adequite clearance?

 

I have a glasstek 2 1/2 in. cowl hood with a holley carb, 3in air cleaner, and RPM Airgap intake with no clearance problems. I have used a 1 in. spacer with a Victor Jr. intake with the same combo with no problems also. A 2 1/2 or 3 inch cowl should be plenty tall enough for your combo with a 1 or maybe 2 inch. spacer if you want to use one.

 

Ok great thanks! I might be goin with a 3.5" cowl hood from http://www.up22.com/camaro82.htm because they're cheaper than a harwood, and if I can cut $100 out of my buildup budget, I will.

 

I dont think its "Required"

My Father owns a 86 Z28. Hes running a 750 DP, EB Victor jr. with a 3" air cleaner, with a drop base, and it fits under his stock hood.

Now the spacer will make you have to get a new hood then you have to concider if the 2-3hp the 1-2" spacer is going to give you is worth:

$50 cost for the spacer
$220+ shipping for fiberglass hood
Lots of time to prep the hood for paint
More time to trim the hood so it will fit your car(its a PITA)
$200 or so to paint the hood to match(possibly needing a total paint job to have it actually match)...

I would buy a drop base, put it all together and see if its really required before I shelled out big bucks on stuff that wont be returnable

 

Well, that sounds like it makes more sense. if a spacer is only gonna give me a couple hp, then it certainly isn't worth the money or the hassle. for now atleast. right now my car has an IROC hood on it, cause someone wanted people to think that's what it was. eventually i will want a cowl hood, but if I can put the new motor in now without that added expense, I will. thank you.

 

If its a functional cowl induction hood, then that right there is worth more than a few hp.