When I cut out my hood for the scoop I cut about an inch in from the triangular bracing where your hole is and my air cleaner is up into the scoop... The air cleaner sits a little off center of the hood.. Just wondering why you didn't do the same? You said you didn't want to cut the supports of the hood and you wouldn't if you did it that way.. Which is the way the factory cut the hoods...Just wondering (not dising you)...Bill;)