What you haven't shared is the displacement and configuration of the motor.
Is it a Type I single or dual-port setup. 1500, 1600 cc, or Type 4 (1800) or bored out?
I didn't catch if you were running duals or not...44IDFs are WAY too big for a stock displacement motor. If you are running a single carb, consider a smaller jet. You may be bogging down.
Also what kind of intakes are you using, aluminum, steel, or other? The early steel intakes had pinhole leaks that caused all sorts of vacuum problems.
As far as air cleaners, check out the VW mags...plenty of places that advertise have all sorts of short air cleaners that will fit your application. Its a bit tougher when you have a dual-throat unit like yours.
My Super Beetle is a 1641cc and I run dual 34ICT Webers...
