Air Intake

Jahred · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 03:22 PM

I am running a 514. Trying to figure out how to ensure that I am optimizing performance vis a vis my air in-take. I have been told 460's et all need "alot" of air. I had some pretty severe clearance problems and have ended up with a drop down K&N filter housing, but have had to cram a 2" ( by 14") paper filter into that housing. K&N's "topside" filter wont fit either, so I am running just the 2" with a crome top.

Out of curiosity, I ran the car with no air cleaner and it seems to miss and bog more than with a filter.

Anyone have thoughts or experience on whether the 2" is in fact too restrictive or feedback on performance variables associated with non forced air induction????

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 03:29 PM

I know a 3"x14" filter chokes up my chevy 396 and costs it .200 seconds in the quarter mile. The choke / bog issue, air flowing quickly across the top of an open carb can hurt airflow, the engine will also lean out a little due to the lack of a restriction.

Jahred · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 03:59 PM

Thanks, good feedback. What do you normally use. I guess I dont have room anyway, but your saying I need at least 4" ??........I guess I did figure this out once........my issue is really how many RPM's am I turning and does my filter flow that much air??

John Owen · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 04:03 PM

Your filter provides at best 88 sq in of area, assuming it is round 14" dia., probably much less if you measure the actual clear vertical area. Near 160 is what you should have. That is why I had this fabricated -

Twice the area of yours or the Ford oval cleaner. You are probably leaning out without the breather - try richer.

Jahred · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 08:54 AM

Thanks! That looks very good! You should post that pic on the site. Can you email me a copy of it?

Yesterday I played with my K&N extreme (top) filter and finally got it to fit down far enough to get the hood closed. I had to drill holes in the underside wire mesh. The K&N is basically metal to metal the the "drop down"......so the diameter that is actually getting air is still somewhat limited.

But it does seem to perform well - much better than no filter and feels better than the old 2"X14" paper set up., which was still restricted by drop down..........

Lean is a concern. I would understand that to be dangerous? I do try to run some Mystery oil in my gas.

I would love to try to duplicate your set up. It reall does look like the way to go. Hope I can get a pic.......

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 09:12 AM

Engine missing running rough WITHOUT an air cleaner is a SURE sign something is wrong. It should make little or NO difference to the engine with or without an air cleaner IF your air cleaner is providing enough flow to begin with.

Ernie

Jahred · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 09:19 AM

Excaliber - Sure sign of something wrong? Can you expand on that?

I think the engines fine, but am concerned about leaning it out. I have not done any adjustments (514) in couple thousand miles......however,

It runs fine with either of two aircleaners on it. I think Fixit's comment about airflow accross the top was probably accurate. But could be wrong. Engine just seemed to run choppier with no air cleaner.

If you have any more specific thoughts, please share. I do remember as a kid, that the old 390's and all my buddies with their 383'2 and 318's - all those engines sure seemed to enjoy having the aircleaner off..........

James Neal · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-2003, 08:16 PM

I noticed in my much earlier days, cleanerless is the way to go with an air box, keep carb seperated from engine bay pressure differentials.Just for the 1/4 mile jaunts but if your actually gonna get a loaf a bread. you need something there not necessarily for restriction but for direction.Moving those little side vents and directing air via the hood opening or other frontal openings can have positive and negative effects on the motor without an airbox or Turkey pan or air cleaner.Pro Stock cars keep the induction area isolated from the engine bay that way the engine is getting the cleanest unobstructed air that is possible.I think an airbox is the ticket but I do feel it should be sealed to the hood with a flexible foam thats fuel/oil/decay resistant. Nice Numerals just imagine it with cheater slicks.