When changing the Intake manifold & Carb, under the hood clearance(UTH), it is always something we, (I know I have) wondered if it will fit/work. This is a way I've came up with to eliminate some (but not all) of the guess work. I start by removing the old carb (only) and 1 bolt from the intake manifold, (exhaust cross over is best location due to being in the center). Then using a extension magnet, I extend it out appx 14", mounted it on the bolt pad, where I removed the bolt, (I already had the carb off) and slowly closed the hood. This gave me my UTH measurement, 10 1/2" total. I even measured with the carb off, total height of the manifold to carb base with Ford factory 1" spacer. This was a 3" total. I then measured the new Intake (Edelbrock F4B) and Holley 600 Carb using the same manifold location. The reason for using this bolt pad reference point is because it appears to be exactly the same no matter which manifold you use. I measured both for total height and to the carb base. Carb base showed it to be almost exactly the same 3". Total above the carb/manfold shows to be well with the 10 1/2" UTH measurement so even a 3" high air cleaner element "shouldn't" be an issue. If necessary a "drop" base air cleaner might be needed, as I had to on another application. Remember there is also hood cross braces to keep in mind when doing this. You can use clay (if you can find any nowadays) on top of the air cleaner and slowly closing the hood to get the final UTH clearance measurement. Never, just slam the hood when doing this. I've seen several small dents from air cleaner studs in the middle of the hoods. The Comet/Mav seems to have plenty of room. But never think it will fit without any problem.
Excellent idea! I wasn't as detailed as you though. I looked across the top of the fenders to determine what air cleaners I could use. Also good advice to not just let the hood drop! Bruce
Straying from the topic slightly, what would you say is preferable.....A 1" carb spacer with a drop air cleaner base, or no spacer with a non drop base? Or is that splitting hairs?
I prefer the regular air cleaner. Because, airflow is smoother into the carb which will give you better HP/TQ across the range.
or, you could use the spacer and get an air cleaner with a filtered top plate to allow air to be pulled straight into the carb.
I had a hood clearance issue and used a drop base with this type top and the hood restricted the air flow. I went with a ... cold air induction type.