Stock verus after market air filter feed-back

[Mr. Chuck]

My 81 is still setup with the original factory intake air duct / filter system. I am thinking about changing to a custom system like the K&N reusable type.
Would like to hear what anyone else have tried. Is it worth the expense and if you went with just a new filter element or changed the entire air duct / flow / filter setup.
Also very interested on what performance impacts were noted if any!

 

[john1977]

I just switched back to my stock air cleaner from an open style. Thought i would try to take advantage of the cold air over sucking all the hot air under the hood. Since i have removed all the emission stuff anyhow. I closed up all the open holes on the stock air cleaner/added a chrome lid and without all the hoses going to the air cleaner,it looks pretty good.

 

[pasvorto1]

I plan to do the same thing this spring. When I took it to the drag strip last summer I noticed much faster times when it was allowed to breathe. My only decision is whether I will get the open sides with the chrome top model or the open sides and open top model.

 

[Jack]

In local asphalt circle track race cars we run the cheapest 14" paper element available ... we change them regularly and the anecdotal evidence is that a new cheap paper element flows as much as KN ... NO ONE, NO ONE up front around here is running anything but new cheap paper. And you can take this to the bank: if we could buy only TWO more HP for $40 we'd ALL be lining up to pay. The key is to change regularly ... KN about $40 ... paper about $5. With paper you don't have to fool with cleaning and oiling ... just spend $5 on a cheap paper element. I run cheap paper in my vette and all other street vehicles. Also, heat & ozone & gas vapor kills rubber ... each new paper element is made with new rubber around it ... cleaning & oiling a KN doesn't invigorate its rubber ... I dunno but doubt KN rubber would be so pliable & formfitting after a while. If I were in a real dusty desert I might rethink, but it's paper for now.
JACK:gap

 

[hank51]

I have a 79 and have dumped the stock ducting. found it to be far too restrictive by accident. it was looking a bit ragged and thought I would try to clean it up. took it off and started to drive it to my shop to repair. never made it. the difference in throttle response was dramatic. never put it back on. I am trying to fabriacate my own cold air ducting. not having any luck. maybe some other forum members would share their efforts.
as far as the filter element. I use K&N. Vizard recommends it but I don't know how you argue with Jack's practical experience.