Replacing Air Cleaner '81 - advice ?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Azusa California
Replacing Air Cleaner '81 - advice ?
Hi all,
I want to replace my stock air cleaner on my 81. Reason is mainly so I wont have to fiddle with all the junk that's connected when I remove/replace it....
But I'll probably get better airflow too.....
Any advice (like on plugging all the junk up!) or any other gotchas or advice appreciated
Steve
I want to replace my stock air cleaner on my 81. Reason is mainly so I wont have to fiddle with all the junk that's connected when I remove/replace it....
But I'll probably get better airflow too.....
Any advice (like on plugging all the junk up!) or any other gotchas or advice appreciated
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Hmm, things to think about:
That Junk on the air cleaner is mostly there for the cold air induction system, thats the duct that goes above the radiator to bring in cold (reletively) from the air stream in the front rather than hot underhood air, it runs better this way. The other stuff you may not need depending on tempretures might be the stove pipe warm air induction system that brings hot air off the manifolds to quickly warm the air going to the carb. There are TVS's on the air cleaner for the evap, air pump and warm air motors. And a Filter line to the pass side valve cover for the PCV system. How much you want to take off?
That Junk on the air cleaner is mostly there for the cold air induction system, thats the duct that goes above the radiator to bring in cold (reletively) from the air stream in the front rather than hot underhood air, it runs better this way. The other stuff you may not need depending on tempretures might be the stove pipe warm air induction system that brings hot air off the manifolds to quickly warm the air going to the carb. There are TVS's on the air cleaner for the evap, air pump and warm air motors. And a Filter line to the pass side valve cover for the PCV system. How much you want to take off?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Azusa California
Thanks for your input SixFooter,
Just looking for the pros and cons etc; I know a lot of folks put on the aftermarket aircleaners (such as K&N type); I always assumed that was at least OK to do ( as in they put 'em for a little more airflow)
But as you point out, all that "junk" is there for a reason! So, is there anyone with an opposing view?
Just looking for the pros and cons etc; I know a lot of folks put on the aftermarket aircleaners (such as K&N type); I always assumed that was at least OK to do ( as in they put 'em for a little more airflow)
But as you point out, all that "junk" is there for a reason! So, is there anyone with an opposing view?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
All that said, You can do it, but might run into a few performance issues in hot weather. Lots of guys have done it, and I am doing it as part of a bunch of other mods. My solution will be an L88 long style hood, air gap intake and L88 air cleaner.
To clean it up a bit in there, I deleted the air pump and its plumbing. Change to aluminum radiator and electric fans, Headers, Serpentine setup...
To clean it up a bit in there, I deleted the air pump and its plumbing. Change to aluminum radiator and electric fans, Headers, Serpentine setup...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by snilloc58
So, is there anyone with an opposing view?
Seriously, I'd agree with sixfooter. I don't think that there's anything all that negative about the stock setup unless you start removing systems like the air pump and the various things to make the car more managable when warming up. You should probably understand what these sytems do and how before you start pulling hoses. Depending on where you live and how you use the car, some might not matter but some will.
The one exception in my mind is the charcoal ring aroung the air filter. If you haven't already removed this, I would. On my car, the air filter used to only get dirty in a 1 inch thick ring at the top. This emmision controling defice gets clogged over time and can't practically be cleaned. Just take it off (not terribly easy but doable) and you may notice a significant improvement in performance. i know I did.
You can always buy a K&N or other performance air filter for the stock housing. You'll get mixed reviews on this forum, but it may accomplish what you're looking for without doing any harm.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by CA-Legal-Vette
No
Seriously, I'd agree with sixfooter. I don't think that there's anything all that negative about the stock setup unless you start removing systems like the air pump and the various things to make the car more managable when warming up. You should probably understand what these sytems do and how before you start pulling hoses. Depending on where you live and how you use the car, some might not matter but some will.
The one exception in my mind is the charcoal ring aroung the air filter. If you haven't already removed this, I would. On my car, the air filter used to only get dirty in a 1 inch thick ring at the top. This emmision controling defice gets clogged over time and can't practically be cleaned. Just take it off (not terribly easy but doable) and you may notice a significant improvement in performance. i know I did.
You can always buy a K&N or other performance air filter for the stock housing. You'll get mixed reviews on this forum, but it may accomplish what you're looking for without doing any harm.
Seriously, I'd agree with sixfooter. I don't think that there's anything all that negative about the stock setup unless you start removing systems like the air pump and the various things to make the car more managable when warming up. You should probably understand what these sytems do and how before you start pulling hoses. Depending on where you live and how you use the car, some might not matter but some will.
The one exception in my mind is the charcoal ring aroung the air filter. If you haven't already removed this, I would. On my car, the air filter used to only get dirty in a 1 inch thick ring at the top. This emmision controling defice gets clogged over time and can't practically be cleaned. Just take it off (not terribly easy but doable) and you may notice a significant improvement in performance. i know I did.
You can always buy a K&N or other performance air filter for the stock housing. You'll get mixed reviews on this forum, but it may accomplish what you're looking for without doing any harm.
