[RedBarchetta]

The photo that JRoss posted is the right set-up if you only have access to a welder. The transition (90 degree edges) can be smoothed over if done in billet, thus improving air flow/cfm. FWIW, my set-up provides about 1/4-1/2" clearance to the rear of the hood and plenty of direct airflow through the scoop. Plugs are tan...have never experienced a lean condition with this set-up.

The problem with making the proper billet base plate is cost...You need a really thick chunk of aluminum to properly whittle it to the correct specifications. A more cost effective alternative would be to billet the "hat" portion that fits over the carb and weld that to a cut out cast base. No one sees it anyway, so what the hey?