Thoughts On A Cold Air Set-Up

[SCOTI]

I'm moving back to completing the V8 swap in my 68 & was thinking about the air intake for the engine.

I prefer to make this thing as efficient & powerful as possible within the limits of the package. Since it's a relatively mild combo (virgin 350; fresh 882's w/a spring upgrade; mild XE-comp hyd cam 206/212, .432/.444 @ 110; Perf air-gap intake; 650 spread-bore Holley; MSD HEI; 3/4 length 1.5" primary/2.5" dual exhaust) I figured it would work fine w/a standard 14x3 open air element type filter.

But.... I also think it might work better w/some cooler air & have thought about using one of those sealed 'air-boxes' (www.ramairbox.com). I just don't know if I'll like the 2 big hoses hanging there in the engine compartment.

I just can't decide whether this type of set-up will look right in my engine compartment. What do you guys think about them? Like them or not? Think they're worth the investment over the standard round element that's exposed to the under-hood heat?