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As some of you guys know I was planning to install an open element on my 77 L48.
But after some research I'm hesitating between the CAI on my L48 (one duct) and an open element.
The open element looks better and I think it has a better 'flow'. The original CAI has only one duct and therefore a less efficiënt 'flow', but on the otherside it ensures that less warm air enters.
What do you guys think?
What is 'the best' air cleaner choice for an L48 (with performer 2101, original Qjet, longtube Hooker headers and 2.5" SS true dual exhaust, no cat)?
Last edited by Novusuhu; Apr 25, 2018 at 06:03 AM.
I do not know what kind of look you are after. I actually do not like the open filter look so I bought this. A member on this forum sell these. I am going to use a plain lid on mine and paint it all semi gloss black. This is the best cold air intake I found. I do not like the ones that run down low somewhere with a open filter on them.
I was going to use the above stock system that came on my 80 but I am installing a new aluminum radiator with fans. So did not want this system because the stock fan was gone and the curve of the oem system (to go over the fan) was not needed. The oem is the only way to go when using the stock fan. I just do not like the look of the open filter while others love it.
This is a heated ( no pun intended) subject. Do you research and make your own decision. I personally use the stock system modified so that it draws only cold air. Since the attached thread I have added a second cold air duct on the opposite side of the air cleaner can.
This is a heated ( no pun intended) subject. Do you research and make your own decision. I personally use the stock system modified so that it draws only cold air. Since the attached thread I have added a second cold air duct on the opposite side of the air cleaner can.
Yeah there have been some good threads before with examples of home made CAI systems. Some have pulled air in from the cowl, or hood holes. Not a real easy solution in my opinion to this.
I have tried both systems - stock CAI and 3" open element. I even went so far as to modify a stock air cleaner housing to fit over a Holley. I found better performance with the open element. FWIW. I also have the cold air box for the L88 hood. I'm hoping to get it installed someday.
You could always feed cold air to the open element... I really must finish and paint this and take some more pics, this was during mock up. I like the stock arrangement, but it's needlessly restrictive, particularly if you have electric fans and fuel injection.
Metalhead, Is that a Corvette part or did you make that? It really looks nice. Do you have to have a special hood for it to work or can a regular hood on a 80 work?
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
drop base L88 style modified the CAI to set further back for the small block. I've since done away with the spark arrestor, Ive read on here about a significant air flow blockage/ HP reduction with it
Metalhead, Is that a Corvette part or did you make that? It really looks nice. Do you have to have a special hood for it to work or can a regular hood on a 80 work?
It's actually a part intended for fit on a different car, but it's very close to a perfect fit. Wouldn't be difficult to make something similar from scratch if you wanted to. I bought it from here: https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Custom-Col...UAAOSwhJdav1bE But that's probably not that useful to those of you in the US. No need for a custom hood, just remove the seal between top of radiator and radiator support, and from the top/middle of the radiator support to hood. Takes air from in front of the radiator just like the standard late model intakes, just a lot more of it and with a lot less restriction.
Original CAI versus open element
