Well I decided to do this post and if anyone thinks the information should be moved over to tips and tricks or made a sticky in this forum section please do so.

I've been a member on this sight for some time and every by now probably knows that I work for Holley.  One topic that keeps coming up is will a "(insert mfg p/n or intake name)" fit under my stock hood.

To figure this out only takes a little time and effort on your part.  I always tell everyone they should measure just to be sure.  Mainly because the noses on our cars can vary depending on how they were attached.  Just by loosening some bolts on my 72 you can raise the nose by almost a 1/2" and thats quite alot.  If you car has ever been hit it can throw things off.  Plus it seems that everyone has a different hood.  So please take the time to do the measurements I have outlined.

The first measurement: The manifold height measurements "A" (front) and "B" (rear), shown in the illustration below, are determined in the following manner. Lay in a straight edge across the carburetor mounting pad. The measurements are taken from the manifold front and rear mounting surfaces to the bottom of the straight edge. To ensure adequate hood clearance, check the stock manifold height in the same manner and compare with the dimensions listed for the particular manifold of your choice.  Every Mfg lists the front and rear heights of their intakes.

That leaves you with one last measurement you need to obtain.  To do this you will need to visit your local hobby/craft store and pick up some modeling clay.  With the air cleaner installed you want to place 1" round balls of clay at various positions around the top of the air cleaner.  I prefer to place them at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.  NOw before you close your hood, rub a little bit of vaseline to the top of each clay ball this will prevent them from sticking to the hood when you open it back up.  Close your hood and apply some light pressure on the hood to settle it into postion.  Now all you need to do is open the hood and measure the thickness of each smashed clay piece.  Find the one with the least amount of clearance, subtract roughly 1/8" from this measurement.  You can now add that thickness to your stock manifold height on the front and rear and this will tell you home much more intake manifold height you can get away with.

You need that 1/8" removed to compensate for rocking of the engine in its engine mounts.

I hope this makes everyones life a little easier.

Great tip. This is one that should go in Tips and Tricks