David,
First, I'm talking about single 4bbl with Turkey pan and won't comment on the dual quad layout since I don't have that setup. I think we might set the Stelling & Hellings look aside, as MHO is that the S&H filter will always be the "original" look, and if that is more of a priority than performance you buy that. Second option is to have one in the trunk and if you go to a show or someplace where you really want it to look like the original, then you take 1 minute and put that on.
Now, for everyday and performance considerations, seems you'd basically want to maximize the air flow within the following constraints:
1. The turkey pan stays on - so that's a major size limiter
2. The hood scoop doesn't get modified from the top or bottom. Maybe it's me, or an aversion to dentists, but taking a dremmel tool to my hood gives me the "heeby jeebies"
3. Some of the more scientific and fluid dynamics types will have to determine if there are other parameters within items 1 and 2 that should be considered. Like - how much space does there need to be between the filter set-up and the edge of the turkey pan? Pros & cons of a top that is a filter ie the K&N Extreme.
My non-engineering mind says the max you could get would be to put a narrow bottom plate on the carb and then attach some kind of foam filter material to the edge that then seals to the side of the turkey pan - this would effectively be the bottom side of the filter, but still allow air to come in from the bottom. For all I know, it might be better to keep the bottom solid as additional means to keep engine compartment air from coming in.
The top would be something that has filter material covering the entire top of the turkey pan - kind of like cutting a piece of foam the exact shape of the I.D. of the pan and setting it in there. Would definately be an ugly thing. Maybe you spruce up the top by putting a perforated billet aluminum top on it that has a seal around the edge so that when you close the hood it helps seal the scoop opening to the top of the turkey pan.
BTW, when you productize this and make millions off it, I expect commission in the form of one of your aluminum bodies
Thanks!
Scott