Ive seen a lot of people run different types of open elements.

Some run small filters others run large filters

How does the size of the filter impact performance?

Currently i have a standard size (14' i believe) open element sitting behind a functional ss hood with a 2" spacer between base and carb. The hood probably functions more as a heat extractor than anything else.


How can i improve my set up? What are the pros and cons of using certain filters? Id like to get it to the point where i can hear the air syphon through the filter, is this achievable with an open element?

 

Obviously a thicker filter will pull more air, but a cold air setup I believe is the way to go. My dad fabbed up a dual snorkel for me, and I found some cai hose from autozone. I put screen in the highbeams so I could get cold air. If you want I have a bunch of pics. This was the cheap way to go, and I might change it up eventually, but for now I like it.

I really don't think I buy into a $30 k&n filter/equivalent is better than a cheapo <$5 paper filter from auto part stores. The K&N filter I have seen were excellent quality though. /ramble

 

A bigger filter will hold more dirt before it clogs up.

 

I have a similar setup on my Malibu. Cowl hood, open element air cleaner but they're not connected.

Agreed, you don't NEED a 14" wide element to provide sufficient airflow (I've used them as small as 9" with no noticable performance penalty) but they will take more road dirt before they become a restriction.

If you want to make a cowl hood functional you can do it a number of ways, none of them easy (or even worth the effort on a mild performance street vehicle??).

Might want to look at what these guys have to offer. They have cowl induction hook-up systems in addition to their more common "dual snorkel" systems. I've used their stuff before and it's definitely better than starting from "scratch":

www.ramairbox.com

Very few of their setups will be a true bolt-on. Usual problem with cowl hoods is that the air cleaner surround is larger than the width of the cowl channel. You can imagine how that would work if the air cleaner is already up inside the cowl area to begin with. Clearing the distributor can also be a problem as well. I only offer it up to give you some ideas and maybe a starting point. They're fiberglass so you can cut, trim and re-glass as necessary to make it fit your particular application.