427sharpe,
Maybe I don't understand "port matching", but I don't think it can be properly done with the Performer and the CJ heads. The intake ports on the heads are much larger than runner ports on the manifold. There would be a lot of grinding to open them to match the ports on the heads. The other problem is that with the smaller runner ports on the Performer manifold, the external dimensions around the runners are smaller than on the Performer RPM and the gasket sealing area between the manifold and head is very small. If I ground the manifold ports to match the head ports, there would be virtually no sealing surface. You really need a larger intake runner port on the manifold to come close to matching the port on the head, let alone provide a good sealing surface.
Funny you ask about glass work. I went out last night while writing the original post in this thread to visualize the hood look with a taller and possibly wider scoop. Still thinking about that one. Especially since I'm not doing the body work
Chuck