[jdean]

I've read some pretty good reviews about the Kumhos and Nittos for 17" rubber.

On the hood scoop...Its always a dilemma....run a big air cleaner to optimize high rpm power vs. getting what fits under the hood. Since your black one is race only, you can get away with more.

There are a few guys around here running a custom-made dropped base that allows a taller 3" filter element in their long Cobra-style cleaners while maintaining hood clearance. This give a lot of cubic inches of filter to support their 600 hp engines.

In your case it looks like the top of your carb is about even with the hood!