[David in San Antonio]

Ah, the old air filter debate. If your car has the engine pans the air filter is less critical. The crux of the debate about the air filter is whether/how much it restricts the airflow. If the airflow is restricted, the carb will run rich. There is a workaround, to balance the carburetor, which involves drilling. If interested, others here can provide details.
I tried using a nice big paper element air filter but the kit mounted the filter below the carb. Every stray drop of fuel made its way into the paper. I pictured a conflagration and removed it.