Thought I try a Ram-air setup on my old 82 instead of the 14x3 open element I've used for years. Not sure on the performance gain--it will be easy to switch back to the K&N if I don't see any improvement. Here is the link...

http://82camaro.netfirms.com/ram_air.htm

 

You have a Holley, right? How'd you get that base to fit over the fuel bowls?

 

57,

It fit without a problem(holley 600 VS). I'll take a pic of the air cleaner this evening. The air cleaner itself is from an early chevy/GMC pickup(for instance a 78 chevy 350/400) or a later model TBI(like an 88 350) by looking up the filter number(fram CA326). A K&N is on the way.
Something else I noticed is that it want's to rev higher in every gear. 5500 vs the usual 5000 rpm when I shift by 'feel'--engine starts to level off power wise. Maybe a bigger carb should be my list of new mods....

 

Here is a pic of the base.

 

Pic installed (these are also on my site)

 

Hmmm. I have 3 or 4 GM q-jet air cleaners in the garage attic. I tried one on the Holley and it interferred. Guess I'll pull down the others and see if any fit.

 

I am using an extra thick air-horn gasket. Not sure where it came from, it's always been on the car. That might make up the difference.

 

Finally got up there today and looked. I had 4; 3 of the 80's variety, and one from the '66 Impala that was the 396 donor for the '57.

The only one that fit was the '66. It has indentures for the fuel bowls/adjustment screws. Holleys were used on some versions of BBCs in '66. The later model Holley I have on there even has the notches for the locating tabs on the air cleaner (I never realized that before). The base fits on there like it's made for it, and uses a real 14x3 filter (is that what the CA326 is?).

The other 3 did not fit over the fuel bowls, had a smaller filter element, smaller lid. You may have a more unique base there than you thought.

Took photos. The indents for the float adjustments are at 3 & 9 o'clock.

 

You can see the outline of the 396 flag sticker on the cover (used to say 325 HP Turbofire 396, or something like that).

This one is actually drop-base, so a 14" element that isn't may fit over the bowls w/o problems (perhaps what you've got).

The snorkel on that air cleaner had an opening about the size of a silver dollar. It is getting dual larger late-'70's/early-'80's snorkels grafted on, which will be connected to the vent inlets (from over the headlights) on the '57.

 

Good to see a recent topic related to somthing I'm still tinkering around with. I just finished the working prototype dual snorkle for my 76. I used a stock 82-87us, 88-89can carbed lid assembly from a truck with the larger 5in filter. The second snorkle is from a standard 305 PU, looks just like a 3rdgen setup. To use this on my Demon I had to use a spacer to clear the fuel inlets nothing major I think there 3$ a peice at Advance/O-Zone 1in or 3/4 of an inch somthing like that. Good part about the 76 is it had provisions on both sides right at the grill to get a ram effect going down the road. I cheaped out I guess and used silicone around the opening and pop rivited the 4 corners. Ive still got some cleaning and opening to do but a suction test proved both suck air quite well. Power wise I havent noticed anything yet but Ive got pump gas in there now so I cant stick my foot all the way in it and the bearing retainer is broke so I dont want to break the rest of the tranny. But it does seem a bit more responsive at crusing speed 30+ and its not sucking air as loud.

Might as well finish installing the walker flow quiet mufflers and work the "rest" of Labor day. LOL

 

The CA326 is 3.5 inches high, more like 11 inches around or something. It does work Up above 65-70, one of the hoses is forced off, and they fit tight. Guess I'll have to get some clamps....

 

Yes, Mine to. I took the long way home 62 MPH my new one flung off. Also opened it up a little 7100k in 1st and the hose I assume got sucked off. Dunno if it tq'd off always a possibility I guess since the new one is on the DS. I did notice it's actually surging a little bit at light cruise I guess more air is in fact being forced in leaning out the mixture enough to make it surge.

 

After my last post, I went to the parts store, saw that CA326 is smaller. Mine actually takes a CA136, which is 14x3.

How thick is that gasket? Would have to be at least the 3/4" SSC talked about to clear the other bases I have.

Still think you have a more rarified base than you think.

I didn't end up using any clamps. I have 4-4" if you want to come get them. Foil tape is the 21st century's "handiman's secret weapon".

I'll post a pic later of the final results. I'll have to wait for SOTP impressions. In the process of installing this setup (which included removing the left front fender), I discovered a missing control arm shaft end bolt - which let my new poly bushing guts out. They are only sold in sets, another of which is on the way next-day-air, and I prefer not to drive it in its current condition (although I probably have been for over a week).

Time slip "results" will have to wait until Friday.

 

I used 20-1/2 century hanymans secret weapon or should it be rednecks lethal weapon to seal and secure mine. (electrical tape) Hey its all back right?

57, your fuel bowls and fule inlet line should be the same as mine very close at least. I tried the lid over a standard Holley single banjo inlet just out of curiosity and it did fit with a nearly 5/16 gasket from an 89 qjet kit. I think the spacer is the only way to fly.

It is almost like the 50's-60's all the high perfomance upgrades are found at the harware store. LOL.

 

Couldn't resist...

 

Looks good!!!! It's about a 1/4 inch gasket on mine.

 

The new control arm bushings arrived today, the bad one now has new guts. Ready for the weekend...again...