The 16v battery is to eliminate the alternator and to maintain an electrical system voltage of at least 14+ volts. Keeps the fuel pump at peak output in case there is a problem with the alternator and dont have to worry about throwing belts off or any of that. I mainly went this route again because of this manifold design I could not fit my alternator and didnt have the stuff on hand to do a rear mount alt setup.
Ive got changes that will be made down the road.
As for the hood thing, I searched the nhra rule book and nothing comes up requiring a hood. The only things stated is that hoods are required in certain classes.
So unless you can find something on it, I dont see an issue. I might just end up cutting a hole since im going with a cf hood later anyways.