ERA 297 hood cutout

[Melzer]

After getting tired of the small and incorrect K&N air cleaners on the car when I purchased it, I decided to do the right thing with the 2x4 Holley setup and top off my side oiler with a pair of Stelling/Hellings as I did with my other car with a single Holley.

After admiring those shiny discs and blue decals for awhile, I decided to close the hood. I then realized that the hood cutout was way too small to accomodate the 8-1/2" diameter air cleaners.

The finish opening width was only 7-1/2" (inside/inside of edge trim) the car was supposedly setup for "cut hole in hood & setup for dual quads & rivets" back when the car was done by ERA.

What I can't understand is how would the "dual quads" hood cutout be setup with an air cleaner cutout width smaller than the 8-1/2" that were period correct?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I should note that the intake is an original Holman Moody with 4224 Holleys. The underside of the hood is lined with aluminum

As always, thank you for your expertise,

Mel

[Excaliber]

Hmmmm,,,, gotta be pretty straight forward, you need a slightly bigger hole.

Not being funny (all though I am, )

I'm running 2X4 Holleys with the Stellings and they fit "tight", but they clear. Mine is a high riser intake, the carbs stick through the hood and up into the air scoop, where the "just" clear there as well.

...alloy lined hood? Nice!