Hood scoop clearance Question

I have a small air cleaner / hood scoop clearance issue when closing the hood. Im installing my tunnel ram and on the passenger side of the hood the air cleaners both front and rear need a little more clearance. Now there is room to make this clearance but my main concern is what this will do to the integrity of the scoops base. Here are some pics of what I am looking at.

The tape on the left is where i need to add clearance. I am thinking about using a drum sander and going very slow removing material as I go. You can see that the bottom of the scoop has a flange and I would need to cut into it which I would think will weaken that flange. The scoop itself has bolts coming down thru that are at least 1" off the edge of that flange. The actual metal hood will need a little clearance as well but it will be less then the fiberglass scoop. Here is a pic that might help see what I am talking about a little better.
So what are your thoughts?

Thanks Rod

It looks to me, that the flange is oversized to begin with, and , as long as you aren't cutting into where the scoop turns into the flange - have at it.

Or use a smaller diameter air cleaner, if possible. Remember, these things move around under power, so you'll need more than "just enough" clearance.

Professor Fate said:

Or use a smaller diameter air cleaner, if possible. Remember, these things move around under power, so you'll need more than "just enough" clearance.

Click to expand...

And that is the direction it will move under acceleration.

rod7515 said:

Now there is room to make this clearance but my main concern is what this will do to the integrity of the scoops base.
Thanks Rod

Click to expand...

I would wonder about the integrity of the hood with the bracing cut out.

can you roll the sheet metal like you would a fender lip? That way the roll would actually add to the rigidity...

That hoods been like that for 4 years with no issues hoping i can say that for the scoop in 4 years from now if I cut some away.
Rod