...but then I am a nerd. Here's what happened:

I was expecting the installation to take about 30-45 minutes. After I removed the stock snorkle and air cleaner (the IAT sensor was a biotch). After I got that off and figured out where I was going to stash it I placed the bottom of the K&N element on top of the spacer ring (left the ring on).

It was at this point I noticed a couple things:

• First of all, all the gaskets around the throttle body were deteriorated.
• Second, it seemed to me that I needed to add the TBI spacer and all would be well.

So now I have to install the TBI spacer. I'm winging all of this remember.

To get the TBI spacer on, I have to remove the throttle body itself!. Just lovely. In order to do this, I need to detach the two gas lines that attach to the firewall side of the TBI unit. After I finally get the gas lines undone and the TBI unit detached when I find that the old TBI spacer is crumbling. It was literally in 4 pieces when I took it out. I put the newer, taller spacer on and replaced the spacer ring complete with some jury-rigged gasket replacements I made out of a 12 pack box. At this point I tried installing the bottom of the K&N again. There still appeared to be a questionable connection between the bottom of the element and the TBI unit. I was concerned but atthis point I was like, "screw it".

I put the element completely together with the filter, adjusted the wingnut on the top to make it as tight and snug as I could make it. Then I crossed my fingers and hoped it would start.



It cranked as easy as it ever did. I was relieved. At that point I inspected the installation to ensure that the gas lines were connected properly without any dripping. I heard a hissing sound. I went for a test drive.

Nice noise from the hood.
Slightly noticeable improvement in the ability to get the wheels to cut loose.

Questions:

Can I get the TBI replacement gaskets without buying the whole unit or a rerbuild kit?

How critical is it that there is an airtight seal between the bottom of the filter element and the spacer ring?

All in all, it was more than I planned on to get this installed. I never dreamed I would have to take the entire TBI until off.

 

Here's a shot of the result.

I tucked the IAT sensor inbetween two of the spark wires coming off of the distributor.

 

Last one...

One thing I neglected to mention was that when I removed the stock air cleaner, I was somewhat surprised at how dirty the whole thing was. I guess that's what happens when the previous owner neglected the car for so long and when you have questionable gaskets between the component of the air cleaner assembly.

 

That is why we recomend the non-drop filter. That way you don't have clearnace issues. You seem like you came out okay though. Don't worry about that thin gasket that goes between the filter housing and TBI unit. Age alone crumbles these things. I added my TBI spacer by only removing the 3 TBI bolts and lifting it slightly and sliding the spacer in. Easier than removing everything The next open element install you do should take less than 5 minutes. I think my record is 4.

 

What does the spacer do anyway? I thought it was to provide more hieght to the unit so the filter housing would fit.

Is the IAT sensor in a good place?

 

The spacer helps to increase plenum volume in the intake which in turn can make more power. They are a gimic at best for TBI set-ups but usefull for problems such as yours. I run one because I bought mine before I did any research (4 years ago) and I am too lazy to replace my open element with a non-drop base unit.

 

I didn't have any problems putting mine on, and it's a drop-base. I've also installed a few drop-bases on other people's camaros in the area, and never had a problem with them either. To my knowledge the birds' and maro's don't have anything different either. What all was it hitting (other than the coil, that is)?

Bruce (90RS305)

 

caddilac go to radioshack and buy a set of 3.3kohm resistors (5 for like $1) put one in your AIT that will take care of that problem. Another thing. Get a breather for your valve cover for gosh sakes to get rid of that stock contraption of a breather.

 

Noted. and thanks!

The resistors fit right into the AIT plug after I remove the sensor?

 

hey that thing looks familiar.

but hey thats not a tbi spacer for the record, its the tbi injector spacer. and it lifts the injectors a bit higher to provide a straighter air flow or something like that.

 

I drilled a whole in the bottom of my open element set up and put the IAT right where it should be.

 

Yeah. I can do this too and I beleive I will.

TraviZ... is this set up CA legal? It should look familar.

 

I will have to say no for the only reason you cant adapt the heat riser from the exhaust manifold to it. so keep your stock unit just in case.

it really is an easy 5 minute swap

 

If that is a K&N filter......you need to oil it. Also it seems to me you did a lot of extra/unneccesary work for an open element install. Did you install that TB spacer just to get clearance for your air cleaner? You could have just used a second spacer ring in between the TB and air cleaner to gain the needed clearance. Granted it may restrict flow a little.

 

Oh yeah... I totally know I did a lot of extra work for nothing. In addition to wanting it to be perfect I was also learning a lot about the mechanics of the car. There was also the manufacturing of the gaskets to do... Sure, I can tell you anything you want to know about a PC or online games but I read this forum to learn about my car (hobby).



I think a second spacer would have made it so the hood wouldn't close. When I get home tonight I am checking the coil wires with respect to contact with the air cleaner assembly (many people have warned about this) as well as installing the IAT in the bottom of the cleaner base.