Intake air filter options

[DaddysTruck]

I'm aiming for a cleaner look under the hood, and I would like to swap the stock air cleaner with a Holley Freflo filter. Does anyone know if that will work with the IAT sensor and the crankcase vent line? Are there any better intake options?

 

[AndyB.]

Your best option is a complete factory air intake. It has provisions for the ACT, carburetor pre-heat, breather filter, and a ram air setup.

You'd be spending money on a downgrade.

 

[enjr44]

Operationally, you probably can't make it better than a complete factory setup. BUT, you can make it worse. So tread softly on modifications to the intake system. It does more than just letting air into the carb.

 

[TenSeven]

Operationally, you probably can't make it better than a complete factory setup. BUT, you can make it worse. So tread softly on modifications to the intake system. It does more than just letting air into the carb.

Interesting. I've seen guys put fancy looking air cleaners on their 2.8's and never thought about anything other than it filtering air.

What are some of the thing could make it worse and what other functions is it serving (I'm think a couple are warm air and the PCV valve).

Thanks

 

[DaddysTruck]

The stock housing has connections for the warm air diverter, crankcase vent, and IAT sensor. My truck is missing the hood that goes over the exhaust manifold anyway so I'm not too worried about the diverter working or not. IAT and the breather I can fabricate a way to connect to the Holley. I'm sure the stock filter is better suited for the motor, but I'm just looking to change the look under the hood.

 

[TenSeven]

If you buy an aftermarket air cleaner, do you have to modify it for crankcase ventilation? It looks like on the passenger side valve cover the PCV valve is connected via a hose to the base of the carb, but the breather on the opposite valve cover is connected to the air cleaner housing with a one way valve to prevent flashback. I've seen a couple guys that have just put breathers on both valve covers, neither one connected to the carb base or air cleaner housing.

How important/ necessary is it to have both these hoses connected as they stock? The PCV valve is easy enough to connect to the base, it's the breather hose that would necessitate drilling a hole in most aftermarket housings.

 

[enjr44]

Get the lid to the stock system chromed!!

 

[drgrcr]

Installed a Wix 42084 in the stock air filter housing on my 83, it is about a 1" taller than the stock filter and clears the hood when closed. Left the cold air tube installed so its gets a little cooler outside air. It will leave a 1'' gap between the lid and bottom of the housing and is a little noisy, but it made a noticeable difference in performance.