Air cleaner vs hood scoop

[70XR7]

Hey folks,

First off.. I love cars, but I'm definitely technically challenged when it comes to under-the-hood work.
I've recently become motivated to start getting my engine bay up to par. I've been looking around and have found a few dress-up options I think would look great. I found an air cleaner I love, but I just want to clarify that this will work with my scoop.
Currently my scoop is non-functional. It bothers me that it's fake, but I rest a bit easier knowing I bought the car that way. I'd like to make it functional, but every time I've seen one on a Cougar, it's been for a round intake. The cleaner I want is oval.

Here's my car and its scoop, for those who don't know what I'm driving:
Scoop:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/lordjred/Goldie%20and%20Raiden%20--%20General/IMG_5216_zpsfae3d9e5.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/lordjred/media/Goldie%20and%20Raiden%20--%20General/IMG_5216_zpsfae3d9e5.jpg.html)

Current engine bay:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/lordjred/Goldie%20and%20Raiden%20--%20General/310938_10151359497697077_1330215549_n_zpsfc17f58a. jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/lordjred/media/Goldie%20and%20Raiden%20--%20General/310938_10151359497697077_1330215549_n_zpsfc17f58a. jpg.html)

You'll recognize the scoop type. Similar ones are found on 1st gen Mach 1's.
Now.. with this scoop, I know I won't have a flush ram-air setup with a gasket like they were originally designed to fit, but I don't think there'd be any other issues, would there?
Don't want to sound paranoid, but I'm just wanted to cover all my weak spots before I make the purchase.

Thanks for your input!

Here's what I want to buy:
http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy01.asp?T1=99600C+01&Category=Air%2FFuel&subCategory=Air+Cleaners%2FElements%2FHardware&SubSubCategory=Air+Cleaners&CatKey=Cougar

and to match:
http://www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/351cgcvrs.html

[ZR]

Both would be a nice addition, cool way to personalize the look.
On a side note, does look cool as is.

[Stephen06GT]

I'd get somthing like this.

http://www.knfilters.com/images/press/Larry-Ashley1.jpg

[Intmdtr]

You should start by purchasing some washer fluid.... ;)

I think it looks hot as is.....

[ZR]

Custom touch to the current covers, polish then paint between the fins to match the car color.

[tulowd]

only other thing I would add is that turbulent air thru the hoodscoop will need to be straightened out - via a K+N filter and lid.
Of course, that air will only go in if the back of the hood or the cowl has an exit for the air.

My car has a front scoop and 2 openings cut into the rear of the hood so (hot) air can escape. On this week's dyno run, we tested a solid lid against the KN lid using the same 14" KN round base element: the car picked up almost 5 rwhp!

Having said that, air temperature has a lot more effect on power than ram air does; unless you're constantly going into street racing speed zone on the highways. Cold air and straightening the air flow will have a bigger benefit - I would say use a KN element no matter what you do; the scoop is likely useless without some kind of rear exit.

[abeltrame]

Keep what ya got imo

[RedSN]

Another vote for don't mess up a good thing.

[70XR7]

Fair enough... gotta ask though..
What's not to like about them?

[ZR]

For me, if it works why mess with it.
When it was in, once we cleaned up some wire routing etc, took on a whole different kinda look n feel, car is awesome.

[70XR7]

Either way.. i'd still like to get this setup.

I'm just worried about the cut. Would I need an oval cut? Could I do it with a round cut somehow so I could convert back in the future if I wished to a typical round air cleaner setup?
I know it's the whole square peg in a round hole argument.. but just wondering if it's been done..

[70XR7]

... unless I can find a round one. ffs. I think i'll just stick with round.
I like those valve covers though..

[Not4you]

I like the look of the oval air cleaner, but don't cut into the hood unless you are going to reverse the scoop as noted above. but the oval ones looks awesome.