So I'm in the late stages of my BBC turbo build. I just got the new lower intake (Edelbrock Victor Jr.), 6061 sheetmetal elbow and 102mm TB bolted together. The TB is now protruding high enough that the hood doesnt even come close to closing. This was to be expected. I will try to attach a picture when my email starts cooperating.

My question is how hard is it to modify the under side of the steel cowl hoods out there? By the pictures Ive seen they only really open up the area around where the filter for a carb would be, then brace the entire area around it. I would have to cut about 8" forward of the air cleaner area to get it to clear under the cowl. Would that totally compromise the structure?

The fiberglass cowls look like they will clear more easily since theres no bracing in the way but would like to explore all options. Thank you.

 

I wouldn't try modifying the steel hoods unless you have lots of experience with metal crafting. It's sheet metal and doesn't take much to bang it up pretty good if you're working with it. They're nice hoods by all means (I've got a steel 2.5") but you could really screw up the hood if you're not careful. I say get a lift-off fiberglass hood from Glasstek and be done with it.

 

I was thinking more of cutting a box out of the bracing with an angle grinder. My worries then would be bracing it back up without distorting anything.

I do want a bolt on hood, I dont think I could deal with unscrewing the hood everytime I need to change something. From what Ive seen 5" bolt on is the largest possible, I think I saw it on Hawks.

Seems like glass is the way to go though.

 

i would get a glass hood. you can get anywhere from a 2 inch to a 6 inch hood that is a bolt on. by the time you figure all the labor to modify the a steel hood you could by a glass one.

 

4" harwood on mine and i think my turbo elbow sits higher than yours. Clears easily

 

Thanks Orr, I just ordered a 4" fiberglass hood. I had to add a 1" spacer to clear the water neck /elbow but from the sounds of it I should still be "okay".

Thanks for the replies.

 

In case anyone comes across this, Big Block Chevy + edelbrock 29045 + 1" spacer + 6061 ls1 elbow + 102mm LSX TB + 4" cowl will clear with room to spare.