Air cleaner... any reason to change for performance?

[dremu]

Note, this is for my tow rig, which is NOT going to play U-Boat Commander and so will NOT need a snorkel.

It is, however, getting a nice healthy big block and I'm thinking that maybe I should change the factory air cleaner housing over to one of those blingy open-style ones...

Something in that vein, though I'm not usually a big fan of chrome.

Anyway, does the factory one limit airflow at all, such that this style actually lets in more air, or is it just to impress the ladies?

-- A

 

[lectric80]

I don't know about limiting airflow, but the stock will pull cooler air from the front suction point. That type of air filter will pull the hot air from the engine compartment. Not the best way to allow a BBC to breathe.

 

[dremu]

I don't know about limiting airflow, but the stock will pull cooler air from the front suction point. That type of air filter will pull the hot air from the engine compartment. Not the best way to allow a BBC to breathe.

Is the suction point that much cooler? It's still in the engine compartment, like right by the alternator, unlike the newer ones that go up front to the radiator support.

-- A

 

[lectric80]

I was referring to the original that would have the duct going to the front. In that situation you aren't going to see much of a difference in the temp of the air being pulled in.
My opinion would be to run a duct to the front of the engine compartment, but that is just my feeling. The cooler air would definately be a benefit for the big block breathing.

 

[dremu]

I was referring to the original that would have the duct going to the front. In that situation you aren't going to see much of a difference in the temp of the air being pulled in.
My opinion would be to run a duct to the front of the engine compartment, but that is just my feeling. The cooler air would definately be a benefit for the big block breathing.

Yeah, my '90 had the duct-type cleaner ... but both my '74's have this.

Maybe I should be grabbing those newer styles at the PnP, huh? Prolyl cheaper than the bling @ Summit =))

-- A

 

[lectric80]

That would be my opinion is to have something other than the open cleaner. The open cleaner is bling, but that's about the only benefit it offers.

 

[GotBoykins]

Run the newer type or go with a 5.5" air cleaner in the stock breather. You will have to change the carb stud but it's a cheap alternative.

 

[dyeager535]

Can you retrofit the newer ducting to the older core support?

If so, I'd make myself a dual snorkel cleaner for a big block. They used the same ducting for big blocks and small blocks, either the small block one was hugely oversized, or the big block is choked. I'm guessing the latter.

 

[dremu]

Can you retrofit the newer ducting to the older core support?

If so, I'd make myself a dual snorkel cleaner for a big block. They used the same ducting for big blocks and small blocks, either the small block one was hugely oversized, or the big block is choked. I'm guessing the latter.

When you say dual snorkel, you mean like dual ducts into the original can, yeah?

I'm sure the second option (choking the BBC) is closer ... but I note that the newer style duct is way bigger, like what, 2x3" or so (from memory), as opposed to mine which is maybe 1.5-2" in diameter?

Anyway, with a little I'm sure the newer ducting can fit.

-- A

 

[dyeager535]

I believe what GM was trying to do with the small snorkel inlet (early, like yours) was reduce noise. When they went with the "cold air" induction, the size wasn't a problem for noise.

Yep, I'd make a dual snorkel setup out of factory. Two air cleaners, snorkel off of one welded or riveted to the drivers side of the other.

I know it's been done on here before, and I've done it myself a couple of times. I didn't notice an iota of difference on my small block, but with a big block I don't see how it can't help, unless that tubing flows enough for a 454.

 

[dremu]

I believe what GM was trying to do with the small snorkel inlet (early, like yours) was reduce noise. When they went with the "cold air" induction, the size wasn't a problem for noise.

Yep, I'd make a dual snorkel setup out of factory. Two air cleaners, snorkel off of one welded or riveted to the drivers side of the other.

I know it's been done on here before, and I've done it myself a couple of times. I didn't notice an iota of difference on my small block, but with a big block I don't see how it can't help, unless that tubing flows enough for a 454.

Hey, any excuse to use the Dremel AND the welder is a good thing

Thanks all for the input!

-- A

 

[HarryH3]

Here's my $3 dual intake setup.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Aaron, i have the plastic piece that goes into the radiator support for the duct to attach to. It's yours if you want it. You will have to search out a duct hose but should be easy to find.

 

[dremu]

Aaron, i have the plastic piece that goes into the radiator support for the duct to attach to. It's yours if you want it. You will have to search out a duct hose but should be easy to find.

No worries, and yeah, I'll take you up on it, thanks!

-- A