Yea, I'm not realy happy about it either. It was that or make custom motor mounts and have my
oil pan 2" off the ground for clearance. My wife hates it! If I had my druthers I would have no hood scoop or side pipes at all. Have always preferred the look of the non-SC 427 or slab side Cobras. Just personal choice.
I was almost ready to take off the whole S/C system. But with this S/C I am Smog legal and do not have to fight the DMV Nazis to get it licensed. Wisconsin has recently decided to change its whole "kit car" requirements. Its unsure how the new regs will fall out. But it looks like they are going to how California is doing it without the "year of replica" waiver going to be available.
The only stock or aftermarket EFI intake that has a CARB approval that would fit under the hood is a 94-95 SN95 Windsor Mustang intake which it by 20HP over the older style. That would take the current HP estimated at 425HP to 215HP. Ouch!
1994-95 Mustang Intake Manifold - 9.5 inches tall (front edge of intake at block to top of intake) 1986-93 Mustang Intake Manifold 11 inches tall. Kenne Bell S/C 12.5".
Once the car is done and licensed maybe I will change the whole setup. I was thinking of getting it completed w/o paint and then see where it goes. Then I could look at a 4bbl intake w/port injectors and throttle body that would fit under the flat design hood. HP would be down to about 300HP. Such a system sells for about $1,800. I cold sell the Kenne Bell S/C for about $2k. I have driven several Cobra replica cars over the years. EM with 302/ 4bbl, FFR w/5.0/Cobra Tubular EFI, original Shelby street 427 single 4bbl. Plus I have a 67 Mustang w/5.0/4bbl. The FFR was the most streetable. The original 427 was hot around your feet (more like being in a toaster). Loved the sound of the rumble! Felt like it was trying to "plow a row in a corn field" when turning.
The new Coyote motors are fantastic, but they are expensive (>$7k w/all the parts to make them work in our cars), large 29' X 31" tall and weigh a ton (OK, north of 600lbs).
IMHO the 300HP- 400HP range with 450lbs over the front wheels seems the best config for driving on the street.