Well, problem has been temporarily solved. His Chevy buddy produced a rare and original chromed COPO Camero air cleaner unit that fit perfectly. The deal with the devil? He told him he has to leave the Chevy sticker on top of it!
I'll post a pic later. After I get a look at it for some measurements I'll be fabbing up a replacement ASAP! Apparently with the W2 intake, 2.00" spacer, and the Holley 950 he needed around 4.00" of drop which none of the aftermarket drop bases he could find locally had (Kelowna BC). Final outcome using the COPO unit leaves 1/4" hood clearance, good thing he has a good torque strap!