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What are the advantages / disadvantages to the two types of air cleaners? Looking to change mine out and have the factory 2 barrel carb. Current air cleaner Looking to add one like this My 77
Each one has its advantages. The second one showing an aftermarket open element filter set up usually is acknowledged to have at least slightly better breathing especially at full throttle.
Even more so when using a taller element to straighten out the air flow to the top of the carb or throttle body.
The disadvantages are eliminated with the first type which is what the factory uses.
One is that it actually does take cold air from outside of the engine compartment for the engine to ingest. Colder air is denser air and helps with power production and perhaps even reducing detonation and other things. Including perhaps emissions from the
exhaust pipe. The open element type can only allow hot under hood air to be pulled into the engine.
The other advantage is from sealing off the carburetor which reduces or eliminates fumes in the garage or carport.
Usually the first type is used in conjunction with evaporative system like a charcoal canister.
If your engine is a good performer and you spend a lot of time with your foot into the throttle, but not a lot of long trips in hot weather, there is probably an advantage to the open element.
If not then there is probably no disadvantage to using the original one, and only advantages.
Thanks for the info. I'll keep the stock one as this truck only gets driven in the Minnesota summers. Not always long trips, but not worth monkeying with.
stock cleaner has a valve in the snorkel that will direct warm air flow from the manifolds back into the carb until it's warmed, then open allowing for cooler fresh air to come in through the grill area.
if you have issues getting the carb warmed up in the winters, then the stock filter may have a leg up.
I bought a large aluminum roaster pot at a antique shop in Floyd, Va. It is about 4" deep, the rim is 18" diameter, the bottum is flat and a 14" OD element will set in it and the inner diameter is just maybe 1/4" from the flat portion, meaning it will almost set all the way in. A 12 or 13" element will lay in the flat bottom. It's got some discoloration from where it's been used a time or two over flame, maybe to stew apples or boil corn for a church lunch. It has two handles cast in the rim area, they'll cut off real easy. My plan is drill a hole dead center for 1/4" carburetor air cleaner stud, and then sand, then fine sand and then polish ... or maybe paint ... the exterior, put it on over my 14" element, just keep the hot rod base. The sides will drop about an inch below the element. Might put a Ford "script" emblem on it. It'll be cool and protect the element.
