Air Filter questions

[Freshbrew]

I have a 1985 Chevy C10 with the 305 engine. I recently replaced the carb and air filter housing with Edelbrock stuff. I noticed that the original air filter housing had a metal tubing, which is similar to the ducting that goes from the back of a dryer, that ran from the air filter housing extension down to the passenger side header (I think that's what it is). Well, my engine is on the downward slide and is burning oil and the Edelbrock air filter housing doesn't have a place to attach this metallic pipe and it is spewing the burnt oil smell into the engine compartment, which is then sent into the cab of the truck. I guess my question is can the hose be removed and the opening closed off? I am a shade tree mechanic and am not sure I am explaining this correctly, but any help would be greatly appreciated. I know I need to address the engine burning oil issue.