I have a RB intake airbox and it seems like the air filter element I got for it (from Mazdatrix, specifically for this airbox) is tall enough that the airbox doesn't clear the hood. The through bolt also seems a little short. So it seems like the hardware kit anticipates a shorter element.

Should I be a little more aggressive with squishing it down? Or should I be looking at a smaller element?

Here's a photo (I know the carb mounting nuts are missing, this is just a test fit)

 

I think those foam ones have a steel mesh screen on the inside. Does it feel like you are squishing the screen? Or the foam only so far?

 

^ Right.

Cpt. Gloval ~
It's been ages, but I used to crank mine down until it rested on the frame. It just seemed like the thing to do. I honestly can't remember if I ever tested to see if it would otherwise hit the hood so I don't know if there's a "problem" with yours. What I can say for certain is it cleared just fine the way I installed it.

 

shorten the ring where it sits on the carb.

 

Not squishing the mesh yet, wanted to err on the side of caution. Doesn't seem like a good idea to remove any ring where it seats on the carb since that's velocity stack and will be too big an opening with any material taken off.

 

Cranked it down another half turn. Clears the hood now. Tight clearance