Before yarding the engine out - double checked hood clearance using clay before and after. Have the same 1 ¼” clearance in front and more in back and center, since the original 2 bbl air cleaner actually tilts forward.
This is with an Edelbrock 1406 and Mr Gasket 4339 air cleaner. I am sure there are other combo’s that will work, thicker air cleaners with more drop over a manual choke carb etc.