Ok i was fiddleing around under the hood and didn't quite get the top of the air box back on perfectly centered. So i am noticeing going down the road that all of the sudden the car sounds much throatier and aggressive (granted its only a 5.0 tbi). I was just wondering what the sound differance, and possible performance gains (however small) are? I mean i got home and took the top off and reved it a couple times just because it sounded so good.

 

you can hear it suck in the air more (especially with a fiberglass hood) and theres going to be a quicker response. Plus it looks nicer.
~Tim

 

I noticed a huge sound improvment as well as a seat of the pants difference. Out of the mods I have done I saw the biggest gains with the open element. As for sound, you should hear a nice sucking/whirling noise when you step on it.

 

I love the sound of both my open elements. The sound almost reminds me of my old holley 4bbl's I used to run on my chevelle and first camaro.

 

Hey guys...I'm new to the 3rd Gen world and man, there's a lot that seems to be learned on my part....

I have a 92 RS 305 TBI and am in this board to learn of the "free" mods in making the 92 react a bit better. I've still not replace my fuel pump as I'm putting my Z back together so it's holding up some of my progress on the RS.

I just read this topic and the responses that have come out of it. My question and worry would be....if you do remove the element, are you risking debris coming into your intake? I mean, that is the purpose for having an air filter in place.... Unless I'm totally misreading this....which is probably the case.

 

best 32 bucks i ever spent

 

Smokin Z28: They're not talking about removing the filter, they're talking about removing the airbox itself. It's called an "open element" because the filter element is right out there in the open, not inside an airbox like it is from the factory.

 

Yeah, it gives a lot more engine noise, but I can't hear it nearly like I used to now that I've got the headers.

 

with the open element and headers my car is very loud from under the hood. i also removed the lining along the back of the hood. very low rumble from under there...also removed the insulation from under the hood. ticks like crazy because #8 still isnt sealed the bolt is a PITA