Long tube is restrictive if the diameter is not large enough to allow for the boundary layer just to chill out… if you have to move ALL the air in the tube to meet the demand on the other end, then you have a problem. (breathing in through a straw)
it’s a question of demand… Demand determines dimension.. And in this case, the maximum demand is restricted by the throat’s in the carburetor.. and the carburetor is the correct size for this engine build..
… look at “modern” Fuel injected engines with tubes, 3 feet long going to the air cleaner (Chevy Camero For example) those tubes are very slightly larger than the throttle body and definitely not smooth inside (Corrugation) and they only do that to suck “cold” air in - Increasing power would be only a side effect.. Lowering the intake charge temperature To fight detonation is more likely the reason.
Especially in case of the Pantera, I’m doing it for having a cooler intake charge, I just don’t see the point of sucking the Hot air steaming off the engine into the carburetor and therefore Giving it a better chance for pre-detonation .. 100° outside temperature is definitely a lot less than what the engine would suck in..
it’s not about racing. It’s about a happy engine.
Yes, sucking from the roof would be great. BUT I don’t want it….