The original filter from where he takes the air ?
Fourteen centimeter below
I have no idea whether what you've heard is true .
These filters were produced for the Stratos, so I think they had some vantage for engine, one of them is that not smudge carbs with the recovery oil vapors .
For example, my father bought his Fiat Dino Coupé with the original filter, after installed the Colombo filters and did not remove them more because he believed that the engine would work much better.
But it was forty years ago ...
Now I have both (Colombo and original FIAT ) and when the car will be ready and I'll try, I'll give my impression ...