Vandros

Have recently acquired a ’72 coupe, which had been rebuilt 2008-9 to have a 454 under an L88 hood.
Presently in the process of making the fresh air hood functional, per original with air filter in hood.
However with the standard drop base and an inch of foam, I’m approx. an inch+ off contacting to the underside of the hood at either the foam or the top thread of the carb.

I could us a flat air filter base or could change intake manifold and carb to something taller.

Would like to know if I would feel any performance improvement if I went to a 4150 Holly and a RPM Air Gap? (with bolts, gaskets, fuel pressure gauge, fitting etc approx. $800-$900)

Or would I get more performance from spending that sort of money on something else?

I'm only street cruising.

Specs
’72 coupe (originally SB)
454 2-bolt correct casting for ’72 – 3999289
Cast crank 010 under
Pistons hypereutetic seal power brand
Comp Cam ***** Thumpr 11-601-4 (287/304)
Hydraulic flat tappet
Compression 9:1
Built by an engine shop in 2007, only got 600miles on it.
Heads - 353049 (2.06/1.72- 113cc)
Manifold Edelbrock Performer 2.0
Carb, Rochester QudraJet 1976 – 17056202
Standard mechanical fuel pump.
HEI distributor – 35degrees advance
Big Ali radiator and Electric Fans
Factory exhaust headers, Magna Flow 2.5"
Clutch GM Delco 11"
M21 4-speed
Diff 3.70
P/S, P/B, T/T
Suspension & drive train is mostly stock for a SB and is in reasonable condition
70R215 Tires

7t2vette

How about a spacer under the carb?

http://www.wilsonmanifolds.com/produ...n-spacers.html

Vandros

Didn't think about that option, would a 1" or 1.5" space make any notable difference to the top end of the street?

74modified

Luther.. Just kidding
Seriously, i dont think you will feel the difference. The spacer may give you a little more torque, and the fresh air should help the engine run better, just not sure you will see a significant seat of the pants feel.

gearbreaker

a spacer was the first thing that poped into my mind. look up phenolic spacers. if your going to use one you may as well try to reduce heat transfer.