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As a follow up to this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/4794694-air-cleaner-fitment-help-e71-base-350-a.html
I found a used factory dual snorkel for a good $150 less than new ones go for. I got the correct repro stud and elbows to connect to the valve cover, so that’s all good. No flame arrestor screen yet. (Are those really necessary?) My base gasket was long gone, but dry fitting it without the gasket, the lid bottoms out on the stud shoulder but there’s nearly a 1/4” gap between the lid and base. I don’t think gaskets are that thick, so not sure what’s going on there. I dropped in a universal 1/4” air cleaner spacer ring for now which closed up the lid gap.
On to the filter element: seems like lots of filters when searching for a “1971 Corvette 350 air filter”, but by sifting through a few Vette store sites, I’ve narrowed it down to it needs to be about 12-1/4” OD, but no data on the height.
Figured I’d start cheap at the local box store and got the specified Fram brand. It’s approximately the right diameter at a little over 12”, but when assembled, the lid gaps the base by about an 1/8”. The element fits all the way down over the dome in the base, and fits into the recess in the lid, so I don’t think a larger diameter is going to cure it. Is there that much variance in height across filter manufacturers as well?
I would guess that your repro stud has too long of a flat spot.
Because you said raising the bottom makes it work.
Try a regular bolt for now.
Then get a different stud or modify that one.
Very well could be. (Variance in thickness between manufacturers) I had trouble getting a element to fit properly in the former air filter assembly on my car.
I talked with a tech rep at Summit racing and explained my dilemma. They actually messured a number of different brands and found me one that fit correctly. I then ordered 6 of them!
I would guess that your repro stud has too long of a flat spot.
Because you said raising the bottom makes it work.
Try a regular bolt for now.
Then get a different stud or modify that one.
To confirm, remove the stud and see if the lid fits all the way down - I bet it will. If you know of someone with a metal lathe, they could quickly remove some of that shoulder in no time at all.
Stock ‘71 air cleaner element
To confirm, remove the stud and see if the lid fits all the way down - I bet it will. If you know of someone with a metal lathe, they could quickly remove some of that shoulder in no time at all.
