TBI open element recommendations?
 

Hey guys, long time no see in the TBI world. Recently traded for a 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula with a 305 TBI, and was curious what open air cleaner assembly I should go after. Several posts talk about how to install an open element, the difference between a drop and non-drop assembly, etc, but I don't see many with advice on where to purchase one!

I'm not looking to build incredible numbers, nor super performance; I just need a replacement for the stock TBI unit, because that frying pan of an air cleaner assembly bothers me. So, suggestions? I've looked at Autozone, but didn't really see much for sale that would fit. Primarily I just want something that won't give me clearance issues. Installation isn't a problem, and I'm aware that it needs to have clearance from the coil and wires. An assembly with spots for the breather and IAT is also a plus.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Is one of the elements I was looking at, but I'm unsure if it will fit okay or not. It states that it'll work with 5.125 in. carburetor setups, but will it work with my TBI unit?

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

I would go with a standard 14in. You will have a better selection in filter types . If you ever get a cowl hood you can use a 14in filter lid . Heres a few others to chose from =

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...ner%20Assembly

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-1223

That's what I think I'll end up going with. Seems like it'll do alright; Just want some confirmation from you guys before I bite the bullet and purchase it.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Nice pick.
You're going to need a 1/2in. spacer to keep it off of the coil and linkage.
This is best. Its metal and you don't have to worry about it breaking = http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all26085

Some have used this. Its plastic =
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-9340/overview/

Id spend the extra few dollars and buy the best.

Also you will need one of these "air breathers" for your valve cover when you remove that tube.
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...2lvXyuIsYrRrVh

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Thanks for the response. Ordered the parts. Much appreciated!

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Alright, time to post my results. Got the packages from UPS today (One from summit with the open element and spacer ring, and one package from amazon with a breather cap).

I took off the old air cleaner assembly, plugged the vacuum line, and set the IAT sensor off to the side after pulling it off the old assembly. I set the base of the open element on top of the old spacer, and found it cleared just fine. Took that back off, and went to put on the breather. IT WAS TOO BIG. The breather I purchased (Edelbrock) had too big of a bottom to fit on the stock valve covers. I would have been able to replace the stock pipe and fitting...if the plastic ridge hadn't broken in two pieces that fit into the valve cover to hold the pipe in place.

SO, I wrapped the bottom of the pipe with electric tape to make it thick enough to fit and hold, and taped the old air cleaner interior breather to the end of said pipe. I put the open element base back on top, the filter, and then the top. I had to screw the cleaner assembly hold-down screw up a few times out of the throttle body for it to clear the top of the open element. I set the top on, tightened down the butterfly nut, and closed the hood slowly. It cleared perfectly, lots of space both ways.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

I drove to the local autozone like this, with my jerry-rigged breather and the open element on. (I should have disconnected/reconnected the battery, but I forgot in my panic of needing a breather). Got there and looked around. FOR THOSE THAT WISH TO KNOW, WE NEED A 3/4" END ON THE BREATHER TO WHERE IT PUSHES INTO THE PLASTIC RING THAT SITS IN THE VALVE COVER ON STOCK VALVE COVERS. Spectre breather is what I bought. Got that set in after re-routing some spark plug wires. Disconnected the battery, waited a minute, reconnected, and started the car back up. Flawless. Heard an audible "whoosh" when it started. I'm just glad to have an open element, and to get that ugly old assembly out of the way. I'll link the parts once I get back home, but here are some pictures in the meantime.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

I can't stress this enough; Get a breather with a 3/4" base connection. In keeping with good ideas, replace the rubber (I accidentally put plastic in the image) piece that holds the breather in place. The old one is more than likely heat-cracked and old, with little to no flexibility.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

This is the breather you want. This is the correct fitment for the stock valve covers.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Looks great .
If you have not done it yet I would move the Edelbrock to the front .
Can you hear a difference in the way it pulls in air from stock ? Maybe a little better throttle response ?

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Throttle response feels about the same; Maybe a little quicker right off, but not by much :P

As for sound, I can definitely hear it a lot better than I could before. After about 2700RPMS you can hear it pulling in air. At idle I can hear some other sounds I hadn't heard before as well. All in all I'm satisfied with the change of air cleaner assembly. On the flip side, I may keep the Edelbrock off to one side. I kind of like a little bit of an off-kelter name :3

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

You have to turn it straight. Makes it go faster. I did that on my car and I was doing wheelies leaving the car wash in the rain. No foolin! I posted it on the internet, so you know it has to be true.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

That's the same drop base i have. I used the stock gold spacer ring for a while until i put a throttle body spacer on which raised the tbi enough for me to use the open element filter without any spacers. It still covers the tbi more than a flat base wood but its better than a drop base with a spacer. This is how it sits without the spacer:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=28162

This way you don't have to unscrew the stud, i actually had to use spacers (spare nuts) under the screw because i ran out of threads before getting to the lid. By doing this though i can run a 14x4" air filter and still clear the hood if i wanted.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=28158

I to broke the old rubber on my valve cover, but when at auto zone i couldn't find a rubber piece that fit so in the mean time its kinda been left open :doh: i know, not good. Maybe i'll go back and look again since you found one. I'd get some flat black paint though to make it match the air filter. Looks good though.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Mine must have more of a drop than yours because I even had to add a 1/2in spacer. to keep it off of the linkage.Even with the drop it pulls plunty of air smoothly from the top and sides with the cowl.
http://imageshack.us/a/img827/162/1001938g.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img833/2879/1001495d.jpg

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

The only spot where mine hit on the linkage was the cable for the cruise, which on mine worked but would act up so i just disconnected it so my air cleaner would clear. What size is that grommet for the valve cover (i.d. and o.d.)?

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

I can't seem to find the grommet on autozone's website...I'll stop in today and grab a picture. I threw away the packaging for the new one I bought as soon as I installed it. One thing, though, is that our grommet is very unique in it's shape.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Id appreciate it if you could

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

hey firebird did you ever get a chane to stop by and grab a picture of that grommet?

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

so wait we can use 14" diameter 3" width open elements? why did i get a small one and thought that i was going to hit my coil wires..... hmmmmmmmmmm

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

It can be done but it helps to have a cowl hood.


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800...0/819/j3kj.jpg

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

That's a sweet setup! No cowl hood here (mini formula hood bulge but only for looks lol) so undo you think i could still do a 14" diameter air cleaner and clear the coil wires? That's my main concern.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Im about to order this

with the exact half inch spacer that Ron U.S.M.C
recommends I will post my results!!! :D :D :D

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Just a heads up = I actually sent the billet aluminum spacer back because I did not like the way it set on the TBI .It did not have a groove around the bottom and the top even though it had a rubber washer it also would not allow a slip on fit to slide into and was only held in place with compression so I had them send me this = http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-8093/overview/
It’s a much heavier plastic than the Mr. Gasket brand I had on before and am happy with the fit.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

hey guys i also have a 305 tbi all stock changing over to this set up is there more benefits then with the stock set up..and when you plug up the vac line no issues with that..thanks also why disconnect the battery??

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Yeah an Open element Air filter is better than the stock setup. stock just chokes it out, even though it is attempting to pull cold air from the dam. With the Open element it has much more area to pull in air, although people will say "its hot air" honestly that air dam isnt pulling any air out of your closed hood lol. Idk why he said disconnect the battery...

FYI i think every car is going to be different clearing the coil. Some people say they can clear it with a 1/2" spacer on top of stock gold 1" spacer no probs, others need a 3/4" on top to clear the coils. My unlucky *** needed 2" to clear the coil for some reason ( i think my edelbrock intake has bigger runners hence lifting the coil a little) . So just test it out, dont worry it wont hurt it if the bottom air cleaner plate touches the coil while the car is off, just dont run the car like that lol. And like everyone says, for added protection, add some electrical tape to the bottom air cleaner plate right above the coil just in case. :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

thanks for that tip with the tape....

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Can someone please explain to me why you need to disconnect and reconnect the battery? It's probably a newbie question, but I just upgraded to an open element and I think I'm running really lean, now because of it. Do I have to adjust the gas myself, will the computer do it automatically, or does unplugging the battery reset the computer?

EDIT: Nevermind, I forgot to switch over the IAT Sensor lol. All good now

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

what size hole would i have to drill in the new air cleaner base to install that IAT sensor correctly. Mine isnt plastic its the metal one with the metal ring around it with the little metal tabs that secure it

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

So i'm attempting to change from stock setup to k&n open element but since i got a 3.5 " filter instead of the 2" i now need the.."rod"? that will be tall enough to fasten the wingnut on top of the lid..
anyone know where or how i can get this done??

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

They have these = http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...mString=search

Be carful when handling small parts over the TBI/etc.
You don't want to drop anything in there.

Re: TBI open element recommendations?
 

Perfect! Thank you, it's officially mine ..now all i need is the "air breather" ?? As mentioned by someone above.. i cannot seem to locate one ..I'm sure I'm just looking in the wrong places..any suggestions ?? Does k&n make one?