I'm hoping this one will be short and sweet.

I've searched all over the archives but I cannot find the answer I'm looking for.
Can anyone tell me the difference in height between the 68-72 BB / LT1 hoods vs the 'medium' rise hoods from 73' on up?

I don't want to know what combinations will fit under the hood, I just need to know (in inches or millimeters) the height differences between the two. To make it consistent, lets say the height difference at the carb centerline.

I currently have a cut-down 73' hood on my 69' and I would like to install a BB / LT1 hood but I need to know how much lower in height the BB / LT1 hood would be in order to make a decision.

Any information would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Elm

 

I can't believe I'm the first/only one with this question?
No one has ever measured the difference?

 

???

 

I guess the easier answer would be to call one of our vendors and have them tell or send you the measurements.

 

Yeah, you'd think but no...
Most vendors don't keep this stuff in stock (too expensive and slow moving to keep in inventory), it's dropped shipped from the manufacturer.
Those who happen to have it in stock aren't willing to break open the shipping carton just to give me some dimensions..

I guess I'm surprised for as many folks that have hood questions out here, no one has ever posted actual measurements?

I suppose I could try contacting vendors that deal in used parts-
That might get me some answers.

 

call a vendor and have them call their supplier .some vendors do list the hood clearance on some hoods.

 

OK, I'll start.
My 73' Medium Rise hood is 3 5/8" tall, measuring with a straight edge across the 'frame rails' of the hood (side to side) at the carb center line.
The center line measurement I'm using is 37 1/2" from the leading edge of the front 'frame rail' (at the center 'peak') to the carb center line (SBC).

Can anyone please provide this dimension for a BB / LT1 style hood?

 

I've got 3" on my BB/LT-1 hood at the carb.

 

Outstanding!
Thank you DZRick!

So it appears (based on the measuring method I outlined earlier) that the BB / LT1 hood is 5/8" shorter in height than the 73' on up hoods.
This means if I go back to a 3" tall air cleaner element vs the 3-3/4" I am running now, I'll still be able to fit under the hood.

Thanks again!
Elm

 

OK-
I figure I'd post this so anyone else looking has the info.

I measured all three of my hoods for SBC carb center clearance.
I was able to determine the carb center by measuring from the 'point' at the center (front) of the hood to where I had a mark on the underside of my hood from the air cleaner stud contact-
This turns out to be 37 1/2" from the front 'point'.

Measurements:
Stock 69' SBC hood (looks to be a press molded aftermarket): 2 13/16"
Stock 69' BB hood (ACI hand laid aftermarket): 2 13/16"
Stock 73-76 hood (factory GM piece): 3 5/8"

These height measurements were taken at the 37 1/2" point, using a straight edge running across the hood (side to side) placed on top of the frame rails of the hood. I had all 3 hoods upside-down on the ground when taking these measurements so they are about as accurate as you're going to find.

Results:
My suspicions were validated that the SBC and BBC hoods have NO height difference at the (SBC) carb center line. The BBC hood has more clearance forward of the carb center compared to the SBC hood, but is virtually identical going back towards the firewall.
Bottom line, the 73-76 'cowl induction' hoods have the most carb clearance of any stock C3 hood (outside of the L88).

Caveats:
There may be slight height differences between the OEM and the same style aftermarket hood but I don't anticipate that as being a big enough factor to make a difference either way.

Looks like I need to go to a shorter air filter and remove my 1/4" carb spacer to get this to work (or get a shorter intake)!

Hope this helps someone!
Elm

 

Wouldn't the 77-79 C3 hoods have the same clearance as the 73-76 hoods as the style is the same?

 

Yes. Just longer.

 

Thanks, good to know. I like my 79 hood the best of all the C3 hoods except maybe for the LT1 hood.

 

Yes, I believe you are correct.
The hood I have/measured was a 73-76 vintage.
I think there was a part number change in the 77-79 hood for different style latches but the height should be the same as 73 on up.

 

Thanks Ezobens.