A cold air intake on an engine with long manifold runners to the end cylinders like a stovebolt will result in massive differences in charge density between the end cylinders and the ones in the center due to fuel condensation in the manifold unless it's heated by conduction from the exhaust bolted to it. Contrary to popular opinion, the GM engineers in the 30's, 40's, and 50's were not a bunch of rubes who just fell off the turnip truck!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!