Thanks Bar50, ordered the drop base you recommended. It looks like it's just barely going to make it with the 3" element and filter top. Came with a little bend in it but straightened it out with pliers. Nice aluminum piece was thinking it was stamped steel. Anyway, resolution is established, I think the carb have ample respiration, and now I can sand prime and block my hood and reinstall the trim without worrying about any modifications. Thanks everybody