The factory hood used on all these vehicles shows cutouts in the bracing for the holes in the dual scoop locations -- but there are no similar cutouts in the bracing in the snorkel scoop location. I think that is very telling.
there isn't a need for braceing to be cut out on the 72,73 demon and dart sports. isn't that obviouse as it is a different scoop and the braceing isn't in the way......
As for using the snorkel scoop without fresh air holes, I can testify that it's no problem at all. As I said, my scoop was added by the dealer in 1976 without adding the holes, and it held up fine with no damage for nearly 30 years. .
again you added the scoop yourself.....the factory couldn't justify the liability with the chance the scoop could come off or break. you adding it is just the point i was trying to make.....
I'd love for somebody to produce factory documentation (i.e., vehicle order form, broadcast sheet decoding, etc.) proving this performance feature in 72 and 73, but unfortunately, nothing has turned up.
this would not have been listed on the order form( holes or no holes) unless it was a seperate option. when you got the performance hood package w/ scoop and stripes this was included. think of it this way how would a dealer go about selling a hole option to a customer?:-k that would have been a hard sell at best....
i tell you what, i will get a responce from Mr. Norm. on this issue. he will have an answer as he was a great dealer of performance cars in the hayday of mopar. i will also go to my local dodge dealer and get them to make a copy of the hood page from a 71 and 72 demon showing the scoop with the doughnut gaskets. if the picture shows the gaskets w/ part numbers then maybe this, with mr. Norms responce will convince you....