'81 Custom Intake
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
'81 Custom Intake
I replaced the top end of my 81 motor with an Edelbrock Performer EPS manifold, Performer 600 Carb, and HEI vacuum distributor. All the Emissions equip is gone. I replaced the staock Cat with a high flow Cat and installed DynoMax super Turbo mufllers.
I wanted to do something different with the intake and air cleaner set up so I designed and mocked up a custom airbox from foamboard to get all the clearances and fit correct.
I fabricated the airbox from FRP and used two Specter Cone filters and 22-1/2 deg tubes. Fit was perfect with 1.5" of clearance under the hood all the way around.
Car runs much stronger and more responsive then the stock setup.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,634
Likes: 15
From: IL, Chicago area.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
After installing my ZZ4 crate motor with an edlebrock "Air Gap" intake I had air cleaner clearance issues on my 81. I ended up using Spectre Performance to build a custom system myself.
I almost did it like you did at first but I figured with the cleaners sitting right above the headers like that it would be doing nothing but sucking in hot air. I ended up with a single cone system at the front of the motor where the mechanical fan used to be. I run electrics now so that gave me some extra room to play with. I know even that isnt ideal but for now its the best I can figure out.
I almost did it like you did at first but I figured with the cleaners sitting right above the headers like that it would be doing nothing but sucking in hot air. I ended up with a single cone system at the front of the motor where the mechanical fan used to be. I run electrics now so that gave me some extra room to play with. I know even that isnt ideal but for now its the best I can figure out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Can you provide more detail on what FRP is, where it is sold, and how the air box was formed? This is a material I am not familiar with and can't be alone in this regard. Even if someone doesn't care for your design, knowing how it was made can help someone fabricate a design of their own.
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
I totally like it. Do you have any pics of how you made this. Something in a step by step pic process.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
Fiber reinforced polymer. I bought 1/16" flat sheet stock at a local industrial supply store. The local home stores sell it in 4x8 Sheets but its textured and does not have the strength.
Parts are cut by scoring and breaking it or bandsawing for curves. Tack the parts together with hot glue then use fiberglass resin and cloth just like you would to repair/ replace body panels on a Vette.
Parts are cut by scoring and breaking it or bandsawing for curves. Tack the parts together with hot glue then use fiberglass resin and cloth just like you would to repair/ replace body panels on a Vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
I do like the way it looks, but I have to question if it functions any better then using a open element air filter with a drop base for hood clearance. Either way you are sucking in hot air from under the hood. Personally I run a open element and have not noticed any difference in the way the car runs. It does look nice....Tim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
This has to be custom fit for your application. No way would this fit on any other vette, too many variables. I can send you my drawings if interested. If you've worked with fiberglass before then this would not be very difficult to fab.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Montgomery TX
This has a drop base also. The twin cone filters have more surface area than a standard 14" low profile filter. I am fabricating shields that will go under the filters and ducts under the hood to direct fresh air from in front of the radiator to the intakes. I doubt I will see much diff in perfomance since I'm only running about 250+/-HP. If you have a high performance engine and run it hard the cool air intake will make big difference in performance. On a stock motor you would never notice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
I would appreciat the drawings. I do work with fiberglass quite often, as I was an engineer for a Major boat builder for 9 years. Now, we have our own company. The air intake you built if very nice and should be respected as such. Thanks again Al
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
This has a drop base also. The twin cone filters have more surface area than a standard 14" low profile filter. I am fabricating shields that will go under the filters and ducts under the hood to direct fresh air from in front of the radiator to the intakes. I doubt I will see much diff in perfomance since I'm only running about 250+/-HP. If you have a high performance engine and run it hard the cool air intake will make big difference in performance. On a stock motor you would never notice.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
I like it, too. I agree for a moderate street engine that it is plent sufficient to have the cones where they are. It's a good custom look without being blingy. And, you did it yourself, which is totally cool.
