open element vs stock air cleaner

[stevolwevol]

I was considering going with an open air cleaner on my 77. The factory one has one snorkel, and it seems too restrictive. Any suggestions?

 

[toobroketoretire]

I was considering going with an open air cleaner on my 77. The factory one has one snorkel, and it seems too restrictive. Any suggestions?

How big is the snorkel opening on your OEM air cleaner? As a comparison the fuel injected 375 hp 327's had a 2-3/4" diameter opening which was more than enough for a 7000+ rpm operation. Unless you are operating your engine well above it's red line the snorkel opening on your OEM air cleaner is more than enough. I have posted this carburetor sizing chart before but I'll post it again so you can see how much an engine actually consumes at 4 different volumetric efficiency levels. Note a L-48 operating at 5000 rpm only consumes a scant 379 cfm at a 75% efficiency which is why a seemingly little 500 cfm carburetor is plenty big.