Hood to engine clearance: No scoop hood?

timsullivan · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 08:25 PM

Given the $5k discount on new Superformance purchases in May I'm seriously considering buying a Street Roadster with under car exhaust and without the rollbar or hood scoop. Does anyone know what restrictions that would place on motors? In other words does the lack of a hood scoop preclude using a 460 vs. a 351w? Or must I simply focus on using an intake manifold and carb that sits as low as possible with either application? Thank you in advance for any advice you could offer.

-Tim

wtm442 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 09:48 PM

Suggest you call your local Superformance rep. If the lack of the hood scoop requires a "lower profile intake manifold", or a shorter air cleaner, either of those restrictions will DECREASE the horsepower of that motor.

On the other hand, I think the hood scoop really adds to the appeal of the Cobra. I'm assuming you have looked at pictures of an SPF without a hood scoop, and really like the look.

Good Luck.

xlr8or · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 10:17 PM

You can always go with fuel injection to get more hood clearance.

terry251 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 08:54 AM

Tim, call Eric Hinderberger at Performance Engineering - 513-738-5001, pecobra@aol.com, http://www.perfeng.cc/#. He built my engine and is an absolutely amazing source of information. My SPF is a street style roadster, but it does have a hood scoop because I went with a Air Gap manifold. Lots of other street style guys with a variety of engines and no scoop lurking on this site and Club Cobra.

Good Luck!
Terry

Silverback51 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 05:16 PM

I have a 460 in mine, and another thing you may need to consider is clearance to the distributor.

When I look through the hood scoop the top of the distributor is very close to the hood line. It's a MSD with vacuum advance. My MSD without the vacuum advance is considerably shorter. I would guess by at least an inch.

Randy Rosenberg · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 05:23 PM

From my experience, I would suggest you stay away from the 385 series (460/514) if you want to go with no scoop. I've got a 460, and I have use a dual plane manifold and a lowered air filter to fit, and that's with a scoop. If I were you, then I would look at a 351 or even a 302 based engine if you want to everything nicely without a scoop and without over-heating problems.

YMMV,
Randy...

BTW, I really like the look of a pure roadster 427 (no scoop, sidepipes, roll bar), so good choice!