K&N top filter problems FYI

[YerDugliness]

I've kept a good eye on this thread b/c I recently replaced the cheap Mr. Gasket air cleaner assembly on my replica with a 9" K&N X-Stream assembly. My only problem so far has been getting adequate hood clearance...for that I had to "abandon" the very nicely radiused base that came with the K&N and use the one from the Mr. Gasket. I ground it down to the point that it stands only about 1/4" above the carb air cleaner mount and I have about 1/4" of clearance now. I chose the X-Stream assembly b/c it seemed to promise greater filter area if not greater filter operation. I have mentioned that with only 1/4" of clearance above the X-Stream's filter top, I'm not sure how much contribution the assembly provides from the top.

Next mechanical improvement to the Cobra includes a repalcement of the current Edelbrock Performer/Edelbrock Thunder combo for an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake and a Quick-Fuel carb....which will absolutely, I'm sure, bring about a scramble for adequate hood clearance again. I already know the Air-Gap sits taller than the Performer, so unless the Q-F is "shorter" than the Edelbrock, I'll be considering alternatives to improve hood clearance again.

I'd like to gain enough hood clearance to retain the current 3" K&N filter AND be able to use the nicely radiused carb base that came with the K&N. I'm told that using Mustang covertible engine/transmission mounts will lower the engine by 3/4", and if that isn't enough I can always have the carb pad on the Air-Gap milled off a bit, perhaps as much as 1/2" or so.

I can't say whether the X-Stream assembly works better than the old Mr. Gasket assembly or not, but I can't imagine that it would work worse, and once I get adequate hood clearance I might just add a taller side element to gain more filtration area.

Cheers from Dugly