Hey Don,
The new paint / hood setup came after the 340 it came with had a lifter failure. I replaced it with a very well built 360, so lots of things changed all at the same time. I did notice a difference after the engine change for sure, but it was not really hood related.
You could definately hear all the air the engine pulled throgh the scoops with the car at idle from inside the car, it was much louder from the outside.
Barry