Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the compliments. Mostly what you see is how I got it. Other than cleaning up the engine and stuffing it in there, I haven't done much else. It still has the 2.41 gears, so right now it really shines on the highway. I have an 8.5 3.42 posi picked out that's going in first thing when it warms up.
On the hood clearance, I can only guess it's got something to do with body or motor mounts, or just the dropdown of the air cleaner itself. It's closer than close, it's actually touching the insulation, but it still makes it. I'm planning to put something a little less flashy if I can find a factory air cleaner that has enough of a drop. On the upper hose, I believe I just asked for a an upper from a 1975 455 Cutlass, don't know the part number. I keep a list, and it's kind of funny with a car like this. When I have to go to the counter for parts, they ask what kind of car it's for, and I have to tell them '75 Cutlass for this, '83 Cutlass for that, '70 Olds 98 for the other thing... I keep my specs in the glove compartment, just in case I ever get hit by a train and someone else has to maintain the car.
On the springs, those are the factory V6 springs. The only suspension part I changed was the shocks, I went with Monroe Sensatracks. Those gave it a slight lift, but the factory shocks, which is what was still on there, were completely shot. I like the stance, but the spring rate might not be high enough on the fronts. Once I get new tires, I'll see what I think. If I did anything, I'd go with the mildest step up that would allow me to keep the same stance. The stock front springs as far as I can tell are 5598s, and I believe the MCSS springs are 5606s. I've seen these, and they tend to raise the front a bit. If they are the next step, I'd probably use those and cut off an inch. Still have to do my research here. I'd be interested in hearing your ideas or suggestions on this.