Problem with that is that it would still stick out far enough to hit my knee. I think this batch of manifolds weren't cut right. Even without a filter on, it's close. Which is why I was thinking of that small K&N.
The manifold came with a piece of coolant hose to mate the carb.
I'm thinking of buying a 90deg bend hose and chopping it high enough so when it's pressed on far enough up the manifold, it'll be more around a 45-60deg bend.