What do you think? Does my Valiant need a Hood Scoop?

I prefer no scoop unless it's absolutely necessary.

There's a low profile air cleaner base that was used by Chevrolet on late 60's Corvettes that has quite a bit of drop. I've used one for years on all my projects, allows me to run a flat hood most of the time - even 440 A-bodies.

The '67 in my avatar had a 440, single plane intake, holley 850 dp, 14 x 3 air cleaner, all under the stock flat hood.

Pretty sure you can still buy them from a Chevrolet dealer - just ask for the air cleaner base for 1970 LT-1 Corvette. Last I checked they were about $40.