Air Cleaner ?

I have a 401 nailhead with a stock air cleaner. I needed a new filter so I stopped in Pep Bays, all they had was a K&N filter and it's too tall for the stock air cleaner to screw down, can I just get a longer carb bolt and have the filter exposed a little bit. Won't that just help airfflow or no.
Thanks

 

You might have better luck in a real parts store.
What is/was the engine in?
I might be able to get you a part number.

 

It wouldn't hurt anything. Do you have a pic of the air cleaner? I know quite a few Buick guys, and I am in the "Buick City" therefore I may be able to find a part number for you. -Joe