My *opinion* on the subject of air intakes is pretty simple. There are few, if ANY on this board who can suck more air than the 750 or 800CFM Q-jet can provide.
Anyone that is good with math, calculate possible airflow through a 2"x4" opening, which is what a stock '81-up gas setup is at its narrowest. (I think the only stock setup worth using is the '81 up ducted snorkel)
I think open air cleaners are a waste. Once again, if your motor can flow more than the stock air cleaner setup can, then you might need one. Don't forget, you are sucking in hot engine air, and not having my Roe book here which states this, its (I believe) an average of 1HP lost per every 10* increase in inlet air temp. An engine bay can easily reach 120+* with ambient temps of 80*.
No offense, but if the cowl isn't functional, its worthless. A well sealed, functional cowl hood (forcing cold, clean air into the engine) is awesome, but a hole in the back of the hood that you can look in, for the sake of looking, is pointless. Thats a low pressure zone, and engine heat will NOT escape there while moving.
You guys that run in deep mud and water, I can understand your problems with the stock or open filter setup. I might consider turning the stock snorkel around, and mounting a flange on the cowl, where the windshield wiper mechanism is hidden. I'd imagine this would be a GREAT place to take in air, and it would be fairly safe from water coming over the hood.
There was a time that I thought the more air the better, but the simple fact is, if the engine can't use it, and its not cold, you are wasting your time.
Now if this doesn't generate some replies.... : )
