Why did Chevy do this??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
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From: Houston Texas
Why did Chevy do this??
Why are there different styles of factory air cleaner intakes on the C3s? I understand the big blocks would use a different setup - but I've seen small block air cleaners with dual snorkles, 1 snorkle, and the setup used on the 76s that comes over the radiator. Are any better than the other or was this an emissions issue? Just curious if anyone knows.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: I can walk to MA
Clearly, the 73-75 setup is best (stock setup).
Working cowl induction .... no restrictive snorkel.
OK - almost as good as a functional L88 setup.
I am in the midst of converting my 75 with Edelbrock
intake/carb to stock intake/Qjet and functioning cowl induction.
Working cowl induction .... no restrictive snorkel.
OK - almost as good as a functional L88 setup.
I am in the midst of converting my 75 with Edelbrock
intake/carb to stock intake/Qjet and functioning cowl induction.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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In the case of the '76 it was to make the cabin quieter. The rear-air drawn cowl induction made a howl when you're on it.
Anytime you can draw cool air it's a good thing.................
Anytime you can draw cool air it's a good thing.................
Melting Slicks
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From: Niles, MI
Race Director
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San diego ca
Thats correct...78 was the last year for the L-82 to have a different air cleaner ducting arrangement than the L-48.. 79 and on - all the motors had the dual snorkle air cleaner...obviously this isnt true in 82.
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73-75 all had the same dual snorkel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Niles, MI
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
73-75 Cowl setup is the best setup for cold air..after you remove the flap mechanism so that it is always open. Cold air in the top and forced out the snorkels which also help cool the engine compartment. 
Team Owner
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Safety Car
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randommj
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
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From: Circleville Ohio
Vader vette
Man is that A new seal to the hood and if it is where did you get it I ordered one Got it and it was garbage that one looks great.Did you have to glue the new one on ?if it is new, thanks in advance
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
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From: Circleville Ohio
Sweet L-82 That car is Gorgeous looking might I ask Where did you get that air cleaner to hood gasket and did you glue it on if it new ?
Mine is mashed down in the front and the back. Did you make your air inlet door open all the time?
Mine is mashed down in the front and the back. Did you make your air inlet door open all the time?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
actually 79 was the year that the air cleaner was changed from engine size dependent (78 and earlier L48 1 snorkle, L82 dual) to dual on all 350 block engines, so yours wasn't changed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
how much do those seals run? can i get them at any corvette place like mid america? does it need the snorkel base plate? how much more arrective is it compared to just having it open?
I purchased the seal from ZIP last summer. They have the repro flange as well.
http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/dept...C53E983CBAF1DB
BTW, I have an OEM flange in good shape if anyone is intersted PM me. Having a good seal installed and the flap removed give 100% cold air intake from the cowl directly into the carb.