At Formula M, our philosophy is based upon the premise that real engines have eight cylinders. We don't understand people who drive around in steaming piles of crap with only half an engine to propel them halfheartedly down the road. No, we want to get down that road with big, toothless smiles on our faces, with plenty of noise, heat and un-burnt petroleum products bringing up the rear. In other words, we want to leave a wake.

To further that cause, it was decided by our car design specialist that a big air filter was essential to getting big air into our big engine so we can make big, stock 302 power. An air filter large enough to hide a small child in, if necessary. An appropriate filter was found at the local Wal-Mart for $4.00. Problem Solved! Or so we thought...

It was great until the first time we closed the hood. Do-It-Twice Dave's measurements were slightly off and the filter was crushed down to 4-cylinder size. But here in Texas, we call that an "Opportunity to Upgrade" or an "Opportunity to use power tools in ways they were never designed to be used".

A cut here, a crappy weld there, and wah-la, the free cowl hood! As if our car were not menacing enough, it now has a muscular power bulge in the hood to further intimidate anyone that sees us in their mirrors. Mullet-tastic!

It has the added benefit of reducing our driver's forward vision. Miata? I don't see no steenking Miata! Just blue sky ahead! Hammer down!