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This topic seems to come up every couple days.
Bikespace and I thought we should open a new thread.
To consolidate user experiences here.
If we collect enough data, in one spot, it will help everyone.
There are really 5 hood variations:
Standard 68-72
BB/LT-1 bulged
L88 Scoop
Dome 73-79
Flat dome 80-82
I work at a Vette Shop a couple days a week, so I have measuring access to a lot of various cars.
And have been accumulating some data, that I will post.
If you post a hood clearance measurement (clay or tin foil) please include:
Hood clearance & location of tightness (center, front, right edge, etc.)
Year
BBC or SBC
Intake manifold
Hood type
Carb type
Air cleaner description
Any spacer other than gaskets
Last edited by leigh1322; Jul 25, 2025 at 10:20 AM.
I measured the dual snorkel air cleaner assembly. On a flat surface, it is 4.125" tall. The carb flange is recessed 0.75", leaving an effective height ofQ 3.375".
*GM lost 250 lbs of weight on these cars between 79 and 80, including in the hood. In order to close my hood, I need to drop it from about 6" or greater. It is possible that between the flexible hood, and the closing operation, I got more squish than would be present in operation. When I bought my car, one of the engine mounts was completely failed, yet there is no evidence of the engine bouncing around and hitting the hood. There are Moroso solid mounts, now, which should be the same height as stock.
Since I also have a collection of hoods, I took some measurements.
Starting between the latch hoops at 0, then at 8, 16, and 32" down (32 inches is near the hinge, right over the radiator, so the tape measure is backwards in the image), I measured the max vertical offset from a straight edge between the two hood rails (marked in tape on one side), and also measured the "width" of the raised area.
These measurements are approximate only, but show a noticeable difference.
Two twin snorkel air cleaners. An 80 and a 71. 4-1/8" high and 3.0" high. Takes a 3-1/4" or 2-1/4" tall filter element. Both of these are a 1.0" drop, carb flange to base.
Also a GM Open Element air cleaner 4.0" high overall
2.0" drop flange to base. 3-1/4" filter element. This one is off a 71 LT-1. There are at least 4 variations of these air cleaners, but the only part that varies is the air vent tube, it's placement, and angle. There is even one with no vent tube.
Last edited by leigh1322; Jul 25, 2025 at 09:30 PM.
Let me consolidate my data and I'll post later. I have it just need to find in on the computer.
1971 Small Block standard hood with original air cleaner assembly. ZZ4 with a Team G 7530WND single plane and a Holley Sniper 2 EFI.
Basically I think you will be fine.
The new intake is only a little bit taller than the one you have now.
Like maybe 1/4"
IIRC the Proform is only a 1" drop. Most of the aftermarket ones are.
You could always get a 2.0" dropbase GM AC air cleaner from one of the corvette suppliers. like ZIP, etc.
That would give you another inch if you need the room.
Please update this thread with an actual clearance measurement!
Last edited by leigh1322; Jul 25, 2025 at 11:24 PM.
1980 stock everything hood clearance is about 5/8" but you might get 3/4" if you put in new radiator support seals. I added the new seals and a ZZ4 intake which is 1/2" taller than stock and we have a little over 1/4" clearance now.
Hood Clearance
