new air filter? Or old intake?

[pasvorto1]

I found, from running at the strip yesterday, that I can gain 1.5 seconds by removing the air filter and top plate. I was thinking about replacing the stock unit with the K&N unit that has the "open" top. However, as I was looking in my Haynes manual, I saw an air tube starting from a collector in front of the radiator and ending with a connection to the intake on the air cleaner. I don't have that set up. I can see the screw holes for the collector, though. So, it must have had it at one time. So my question is, what will give me better performance, the K&N setup, or getting the stock air funnel setup and installing it? Any thoughts?

 

[SG4206]

1.5 seconds , or .15 seconds? If this air filter slows the car down 1.5 seconds , you might check for some additional problems when you install it.

 

[DRTH VTR]

1.5 seconds , or .15 seconds? If this air filter slows the car down 1.5 seconds , you might check for some additional problems when you install it.

Based on his day at the strip thread, it is 1.5 seconds. That is just an amazing power loss with the filter in place. Something seems wrong here.

 

[SG4206]

I just read your other thread ; nice report on the race day. I just don't remember the stock air cleaners choking my old L-48s that much ; but it looks like yours certainly does! The K&N filter top will probably help tremendously. Check that your hood insulation isn't resting on top of the assembly.

 

[pasvorto1]

Could it be "that bad" without the funnel set up? Such that, removing the filter affected it so much?

 

[SG4206]

For the cost of putting the correct factory set-up on your engine, I would opt for a 360 degree open element design air cleaner.
Without seeing your set-up; I've havn't a clue what's going on with what you have.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Try replacing your existing air cleaner element with a new one and head out to the strip.

A K&N filter (of any configuration) will not give you any appreciable HP gain compared to stock.

 

[pasvorto1]

I can hold the current AF up to light and it isn't blocked. Looks almost new. I was thinking that maybe, with the stock air tunnel attached, it should have gotten about 16.0. rather than 16.8. Then the change wouldn't have been so dramatic. In any case, the K&N "open" unit looks pretty cool.

 

[RodsnRides]

Try replacing your existing air cleaner element with a new one and head out to the strip.

A K&N filter (of any configuration) will not give you any appreciable HP gain compared to stock.

Can I insert a question in this thread? I have a stock '72 350 w/the twin snorkel air cleaner (Quadrajet). Will the open air cleaner from an early 70's Camaro/Chevelle/Nova fit and clear the stock hood? Or, do I need a drop base? Related, would I just be better with a K&N filter in the stock air cleaner setup? I like the clean/oil/re-use that K&N offers over standard paper. Thank you.

Rick

 

[SG4206]

Can I insert a question in this thread? I have a stock '72 350 w/the twin snorkel air cleaner (Quadrajet). Will the open air cleaner from an early 70's Camaro/Chevelle/Nova fit and clear the stock hood? Or, do I need a drop base? Related, would I just be better with a K&N filter in the stock air cleaner setup? I like the clean/oil/re-use that K&N offers over standard paper. Thank you.

Rick

If I'm not mistaken; at least a 1" drop bottom is required. I don't have a C3 with stock parts to check.

 

[The73vetteman]

would I just be better with a K&N filter in the stock air cleaner setup?

I asked a similar question in here a while back. The consensus then was that the K&Ns are a lot of money for what they give - i.e. reuse and maybe slightly more airflow. In the end I bought a standard paper filter for about $4 vs $40 for the K&N. Since I only change the filter once a year (because my car doesn't do many miles) I wasn't keen on the idea of a 10 year payback period!
John