What is a Cowl Induction Hood Used For?

Question

I saw one of these Hoods on a 1971 Chevy Nova and I was wondering It's Purpose.

Answer 1

This is used to induct the cowl.

Answer 2

They can be used for three different things; The first is normally just for looks. The second is either your intake or your carburetor is too tall for acceptable clearance under the hood. And the third is if it had a supercharger. hope i answered your question!

Answer 3

On the high performance engine options of that era, they usually had a "high-rise" intake manifold and raised the carburetor up to the point the stock hood would not close over the air cleaner.  By putting a bump in the hood, and leaving it open at the back, it would draw air into the filter housing with less restriction.  

It was said that in a wind tunnel (or at highway speeds), there is a high pressure area right where the back of the hood meets the windshield.  This was suppose to "force" more air into the engine and give it the capability of producing more horsepower.  The area between the bottom of the windshield and the back of the hood, is coincidentally called. "the Cowl".  Hence...  Cowl Induction...   :-}

Answer 4

It is a way to get more cooler air into the motor.