I would like to run an open element air filter on my new engine but at the same time I'd perfer to keep my stock hood for the sake of appearing a sleeper.

My question is, am I going to see big negative effects such as substantial power loss and idle issues without a hood scoop of some sorts for the open element? Or is it just going to cost me a little power?

The engine will be a mild 383 stroker.

Thanks!

 

There are documented benefits to having cold outside air going into the carb.
In a tight engine bay you have the probability of sucking in a lot of hot air which will affect performance
You could look at ways of getting cold air to the air cleaner with ducting like the old skool muscle cars did without cutting the hood

 

Using a low profile base on the filter, you should be able to get it low enough to close the hood. The downside is it's going to be sucking all the hot air from under the hood. You will suffer a little bit of performance but probably not enough to be noticeable.

 

Depending on the intake manifold you're using you may be able to close the hood using a standard 1 1/2" dropped base air filter housing as Alky suggests.
As the previous posters also mention, there is a benefit to having a supply of cold air to the carb but to what extent depends on the depth of your build.
Still having a CAI is never a bad idea.
Check out these guys. They have some very unique products.

http://www.ramairbox.com/

For what it's worth with an RPM Air Gap intake manifold and a standard dropped base air filter, it was necessary to trim a portion of the underhood bracing of the hood.
I've eventually gave up on the notion of keeping my flat hood (yes, the sleeper look) and have moved on to a cowl induction hood. Now there's another level of fabricating involved in order to seal the carb from the engine bay.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/carb...b-sealing.html

 

I was planning on using an RPM air-gap intake but I know those rise a little higher. The build will be a fairly mild 383 for a daily driver.