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Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
I've seen many engine pics of thirdgens with 14x3" open element air cleaners, but for some reason, on my L03, I cant get mine to fit to save my life. It either sits too high with the spacer ring around the TBI, or it drops too low without it and rubs ignition coil wires. (14x3 with 1.5" drop base) It can't seriously be this hard to put a simple open element air cleaner on all of these SBCs with clearance issues on the ignition coil, or the stock flat hood. I ended up using a flat base 1.25" filter. That cleared fine, but the filter is tiny. I would like more airflow. I don't know how to make this work like so many people have. (Of course cowl hoods make it easier, but people put them on flat hoods all the time)
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
I had the same problem. Now I had a carb set up but I think the TBI might be the same scenario. Maybe this might help ya. I ended up having to modify the bottom plate (basically bend and shape it around parts to fit and using a 2" element. I have a RPM performer manifold which brought the carb up to where I had only 2" clearance from the hood. With the 1 1/2" drop it was actually starving the car of air. I also refused to cut or cowl the hood so my option was to go to the Spectre low profile dual cold air intake. All my problems were solved. Its a bit pricey but well worth it. Even if you do make the drop 14 x 3" element fit, you may not get enough air flow in. You can see the pic below I had to crush the 2" element to get it to fit. It looked like crap and the 1.5" was to thin,
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Ya the first engine I had in this car was also a performer with no issues with it. The RPM performer manifold on this engine stands quite a bit taller. Jake_92RS What type of manifold do you have on it?
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Pretty sure there is a tech article that talks about choosing the aircleaner that will fit. It was back in the "TBI is as good as TPI and carbs!" era, so I might be remembering it wrong or it might be toast.
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
I'm not into downloading random word files... https://www.thirdgen.org/ultimatetbi/ covers a few options. Aftermarket intakes and spacers can cause problems, since thirdgens generally dont have much clearance.
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Took a H.O. dual snorkle air cleaner and removed the THERMAC valves because they were not needed. Fiber-glassed over the holes then took a dremel and smoothed out the snorkels for maximum air flow. Was a big improvement over the open element filter.
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Another option is to cut the stock air cleaner down to the base, removing everything below the snorkel. Grind it clean, smooth, and even, and presto, you have an open element air cleaner that fits. Use your factory lid, and element.
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Originally Posted by Sleeper Z
I had the same problem. Now I had a carb set up but I think the TBI might be the same scenario. Maybe this might help ya. I ended up having to modify the bottom plate (basically bend and shape it around parts to fit and using a 2" element. I have a RPM performer manifold which brought the carb up to where I had only 2" clearance from the hood. With the 1 1/2" drop it was actually starving the car of air. I also refused to cut or cowl the hood so my option was to go to the Spectre low profile dual cold air intake. All my problems were solved. Its a bit pricey but well worth it. Even if you do make the drop 14 x 3" element fit, you may not get enough air flow in. You can see the pic below I had to crush the 2" element to get it to fit. It looked like crap and the 1.5" was to thin,
My fix below with the Spectre.
How did you cut your HCV so its not so ugly?? Mine still has those long *** ugly hoses.
Re: Why Are Open Element Air Cleaners a Challenge to Install on a Thirdgen?
Originally Posted by Bddbrd86
Took a H.O. dual snorkle air cleaner and removed the THERMAC valves because they were not needed. Fiber-glassed over the holes then took a dremel and smoothed out the snorkels for maximum air flow. Was a big improvement over the open element filter.
IMO, this is the best option. All the other hot air intakes might look pretty, but...
Yours is also the only one which appears to draw its air supply from somewhere other than the intentionally low-pressure area behind the radiator support.
03-16-2018, 11:49 AM
