I've got a 1979 F250, 351m, that I'm bringing back to life after years in a pole barn. I found a stock air cleaner, complete with the snorkel and tubing, at a junkyard. I've also got a chrome after-market assembly, open-faced. Are there advantages and disadvantages to using either of these? Will either produce better HP or efficiency? or is it really just a matter of what you think looks best? Thanks.

 

OEM air cleaner housings are inherently inefficient. An open element air cleaner and filter is worth a few HP and likely, MPG.

 

You're either terribly misinformed or you're a troll. Which one are you.

 

So we've apparently got two conflicting points of view here. I've heard that the aftermarket air cleaners allow the carb to get more air, but I've also heard that the OEM configuration is more of a cold-air intake and thereby increases performance. Would it stand to reason that the open face is better for stop-and-go, in town driving, and the stock configuration is better when you're on the highway - when the air flowing into the snorkel easier?

There must be 2 different schools of thought on this or else the overall effects are negligible.

 

You're a pencilhead and I'm not a troll.

 

Stupid question, what's a troll?

 

Somebody needs a hug...

 

A troll (in internet-speak) is someone who chimes in to simply wreak havoc on a website.

I'm not getting into a pissin' match in here. I've done the research, testing, dyno runs, and have read zillions of articles. I conclude that OEM air cleaner housings tend to be restrictive - especially with this old technology where fluid dynamics was not modeled.

I'm not saying all are bad but an engine will benefit from unrestricted air intake charge. And better yet if it is cool air since cool dense air has more oxygen molecules.

Do your own research and draw your own conclusion. I've got 35 years of wrenching under my belt so it that ain't enough that ain't my problem.

Exit.. stage left.

 

Ahh ok I get it. We're all on here to give and receive educated opinions. Sometimes people may not agree. Not need to get nasty.
IMHO a aftermarket cleaner assembly gives the engine a nice clean look. As far as performance goes I never noticed any difference on my 400.

 

The aftermarket unit most likley has less restriction and can flow more air... but (a big one) air from the engine compartment on a summer day can eaisly be 150-160F. Hot. Hot air reduces power and economy. It can also promote pinging. The OE setup, at least on my '78, draws cool air through a tube from the grill area. A big plus.

With stock or near stock engine specs, cool air from the OE setup more than outweighs the flow benefit.

I'd go OE.

I will stay OE unless or until I significantly upgrade the engine. At that point, I'll likley rig up or buy a high flow cool air setup.

 

Restoring to insults, now?

 

X2 ---

 

A few educational links -- About Ram Air Box
== Schmidt Motor Works Ram Air Cleaner
== Spectre Performance - Official Site

 

Under most conditions a stock air cleaner will do what it is intended to do; filter debris. But they weren't built with performance in mind or there wouldn't be a huge aftermarket for air intake kits.

 

go to summit get the dual snorkle cold air and have the best from both worlds