Hey guys, I need a drop base air cleaner after my engine swap to a SBC. I know I need a drop base, and know what they look like, but how much drop would you say is there? (in inches or so) since it surrounds the carb. A guy on ebay says his is a drop base, but it is only 5/8"----that doesnt seem like enouch.... (to check it...just search drop base ac on ebay) what do you think?? Thanks, Franchise

The open style I had was about 1-1/4" from the air horn air cleaner mount to the bottom of the filter elemet.

hey five7,

thanks for the reply....so a drop of 1 1/4" is the depth.
OK...this guy said it was like 5/8". I thought that was too little.

Thanks,
Franchise

I never did a rigorous measurement to determine final clearance. However, I believe the hold down nut stayed out of the hood blanket.

I've heard 'Bird hoods come a little closer to the engine than Camaro hoods do, but no evidence to support that.

It's something that you'll have to try several of after the motor is in - it will all depend on the carb and (mostly) intake used. After I put in my 350 with a Performer RPM and Edelbrock 1405, I went through 3-4 different air cleaners from different places before I found a fit. I ended up with a drop base about 1 1/4 inches, but it wouldn't clear the linkage, so I had to get a 1/2 inch plastic riser, and then go with a 2 1/2 inch element to get it to fit. It just barely pushes up a tad on the hood when it's shut - but it fits, and saved me the expense of a cowl hood for now.

thanks five7.

Hey camaronewbie,
where did you get your final drop base from?

ALSO, you guys think 7/8" of a drop is enough?...that is the deepest I have found.


Thanks,
Franchise

I was trying to remember where, when I wrote before - brain dead here. I'm pretty sure it was a no-brand from Pep Boys. Might have been a Mr. Gasket - I can't remember. It was deep, and had indents for linkage/choke - but the indents didn't match up - thus the 1/2 inch plastic spacer and then 1/2 inch shorter element. Like I said, you'll just have to wait until motor in and complete, and try a few - just save receipts for returns!

I also did new poly motor mounts - which changed things a tad from the old sagging mounts.

Oh - and you can compare intake heights at edelbrock.com - they have heights listed for each manifold.

Thanks for the info.

I've got a victor jr intake, 1/2" nos plate, and a holley carb and it all fits under my stock hood with this air cleaner. I bought it just to see if it fits and what kinda drop I would need, but I like it http://go.mrgasket.com/ProductDetail...&minselection=

hey 85z28,

I tried to access the page you posted, but I get an error.

Can you tell me the make/model....or better yet the part #???

Thanks,
Franchise

Its mr.gasket part number 9790. Its called "Competiton air cleaner". Its 14" by 3". Its was like $40 with the air filter, stud, and wing nut

I got mine from summit I think it was $35 and it came with what looks like a K&N. But I dont think it is.

Thanks guys...I will check it out.

Anyone been to autozone lately...it looks like a drop base a/c, about $30, with everything.....just an off brand. Anyone check it out?