I've read all through the open element FAQ, but I want to know what kit will get me the most bang for the buck. Thanks for all your help.

 

It really depends on what you want.

But, the ideal set-up is a 14" by 3" non-drop open element base (most Mr. Gasket air open elements are non-drop, FYI) with a high flow filter like K+N, etc., but hood clearance can be an issue with a non-drop base.

So, the best bang for the buck open element is just going to be an open element from any auto parts store that is a non-drop air cleaner and is 14" in diameter. Then just buy a high-flow air filter from the same store, a 14"X3" if it will fit under your hood. That's the cheapest and best way to go.

Just so you know what to look for, here's a drop-base, and as you can see it only allows air in from the top since the spacer ring has to stay on:


And here's the ideal set-up, a non-drop base which allows plenty of air flow from all sides:


I got these pictures from Snflupigus' website, there's tons of TBI pictures if your interested: http://snflupigus.tripod.com/tbiphotos/pics.html

 

Should I just use the original lid or should I get a K&N Xstream lid.

http://www.autobarn.net/kamxstreamun.html

 

you wont likely gain much from an xtreme lid, unless you have a cowl hood, but then its still a TBI, air enters from the sides, even with a stock hood you wont get air in from the top with that lid.

 

Agreed. The only reason to go with an extreem lid would be for look. Cowl hood set-ups with a carb can make use of them but since TBI draws the majority of its intake charge from the sides, the lid would be nothing more than a conversation piece.

 

Thanks, I didn't know if it was worth the extra 70 bucks. Also, should I stick with the K&N air filter or go with this one from summit racing.

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...t=SUM%2D239431

 

That filter will suffice.

 

Ok, this should be my last post on this topic. There are three types of base styles. From your guy's opinions it sounds like I should get the flat base style. Unless the raised style get more air flow. And if if I understand this right, the dropped style gets the least flow.

 

Both the dropped and the non-dropped can pretty much flow the same, the problem is just in how you have to install them. On our cars, you cannot run a drop-base without it hitting or interfering wiht various things on the intake manifold, like the coil, the throttle linkage, etc. If you get a drop-base, you end up having to either raise the whole TBI unit up so you have clearance, or you have to leave the gold spacer ring on the TBI unit so the drop-base will clear everything. And, of course, as stated above, if you leave the spacer ring on, it causes the TBI unit to suck in all of it's air from the top, instead of from all sides, like it wants to.

Clear as mud?

 

Well, I think I might get a spacer. What is the best brand, or does it really matter.

 

Don't waste your time on a spacer yet. A spacer should be used as a last means of tweaking your combo for that extra little bit of plenum volume.

 

Which kind of spacer are you referring to, injector spacer or TB spacer? I'm assuming your referring to the TB spacer.

While I agree with Shifty, if you really want a spacer, you just need to know how much you want to raise the TBI unit. IIRC, you can get various sizes, like 3/8", 1/2", or 1" spacers, from various companies. Every company's spacer is pretty much the same in materials and design. But, keep in mind that installing a spacer can get tricky, because of the modifications you have to do to the throttle bracket, throttle linkage, cruise control cable, and TV cable (if you have an automatic). I wouldn't reccomend it for a first-time mod (I'm going to attempt to install a 3/8" spacer soon, and I'm not even looking forward to installing it).

 

FWIW, I am using a drop base with the spacer ring that lifts the base a little higher than you get with just using the default, standard spacer ring:



After dealing with the fear of rubbing a wire on the coil raw and shorting my electric system out, I would recommend the non-drop base.