Air filter power
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If the filter elements are clean and properly sized, and the opening(s) in the air cleaner housing are adequate, there will be an insignificant difference in engine performance. If you were to dyno test those two situations, the actual change in performance would be masked by the precision error of the dyno machine.
Most air cleaner/filter selections are based on appearance...not on real performance gains.
Most air cleaner/filter selections are based on appearance...not on real performance gains.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
I doubt anything you do with the air filter will make a difference you will feel in the seat of your pants. That said, the stock snorkel set up, especially if you have a dual snorkel, can draw cooler, denser (i.e. more) air than an open element under a hot hood.
God bless, Sensei
God bless, Sensei
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I get a big 'kick' out of seeing the air cleaner snorkel opening(s) on some of the early '60s Chevy engines...even Corvettes, like the '64 with the double snorkel pipes having less than golf-ball sized openings. Obviously, the design Engineers felt those were adequate to supply air to the small V8 engine; so, needing a filter with lots of surface area is nice but not required.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
IMHO, K&N air cleaners and similar do not filter out the smaller particles that will still damage an engine over time - especially if you live in a dusty climate.
I bet if you put the numbers to it, dollars / HP increase, the ratio would be one of the worst in terms of cost effective modifications (notice I didn't call it an upgrade)
I bet if you put the numbers to it, dollars / HP increase, the ratio would be one of the worst in terms of cost effective modifications (notice I didn't call it an upgrade)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I get a big 'kick' out of seeing the air cleaner snorkel opening(s) on some of the early '60s Chevy engines...even Corvettes, like the '64 with the double snorkel pipes having less than golf-ball sized openings. Obviously, the design Engineers felt those were adequate to supply air to the small V8 engine; so, needing a filter with lots of surface area is nice but not required.
seems to me its like trying to breathe out of a straw
but admittingly, i dont know anything.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I will agree that those air cleaners looked pretty odd. But, I don't know of anyone who had an operational problem with them limiting air to the engine. My point was not that GM can't do anything wrong [anyone who has been on this Forum and read my posts knows that's not the case]. My point was that an air cleaner with that small of an inlet area, apparently, works just fine....so spending $100 for a chrome tube with a big-a$$ air filter head makes absolutely no sense--from a functional point of view. Of course, they look 
; and that's worth.....hmmmm 
; and that's worth.....hmmmm
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
I don't know guys, my other car, 1973 duster 340, with the factory single snorkel[remember it is a 73] is o-k performance wise. With a aftermarket air cleaner[no vacuum doors] i know i have more h.p.you can feel the difference. only use the factory assembly for shows.