Air intake / neoprene

[TShort]

I have the stock Van's cowl setup on the -10.

The inlet to the airbox connects to the opening in the cowl, and is "sealed" with baffle seal material. This is particularly ornery when replacing the bottom cowl - it is stiff and noncompliant, tough to get it in place (and I feel like the process likely puts stress on the airbox etc - as well as leading to scratches on the cowling from maneuvering around the spinner, etc.

Has anyone replaced this with something more flexible / compliant like neoprene? Any recommendations for a source?

Thanks in advance