Hood Scoop issues

[SST159]

Anyone out there experience issues with air flow on hood scoops?
I changed my hood and scoop last fall and have been experiencing the motor popping during the run ever since.
Sometimes it occurs just on top end in the traps and sometimes at randam during the run. I pulled valve springs and they are good, plug wires are good, changed carb, changed fuel system (planned on doing that anyway). At one point I made a carb pan that sealed of most of the air with foam to the top of the scoop. That made improvements but still pops at random.
I tried taking the pan off totally and made a pass which it broke up so bad I had to abort the run. That tells me this issue pertains to the hood scoop and the way the air is hitting the carb. The only thing I did not try yet was an air filter which I would rather not use if I can avoid it. Any input or suggestions before I lose the rest of my hair?
Thanks in advance for your help.